Col. Michael E. McGuinn III

Michael was born February 22nd, 1925, in Spartanburg, South Carolina to Michael E. McGuinn, Jr., and Margaret C. Shackleford McGuinn. He grew up in Spartanburg, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep love for family and country. After high school, he attended Clemson College as an ROTC Cadet before being drafted into the U.S. Navy during World War II. Following his service in the Pacific Theater, he continued his education at The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. He also worked as a lineman and joined the National Guard.

He left the National Guard to accept a commissioned officer appointment in the U.S. Army, completing Officer Candidate School in 1949. His Army career encompassed numerous achievements as a combat commander in the wars in Korea and Vietnam; a key staff officer in multiple regional headquarters; as the U.S. Army attaché to the American Embassy in Denmark, as an exchange officer with the British Royal Army; and on the U.S. Army General Staff in Washington, D.C.

After a distinguished military career of 28 years, he retired from active duty at the rank of Colonel in 1972 and settled his family in Sandy Springs, GA. He made a second career with the State of Georgia, serving in a variety of key positions and assignments. He headed the state’s Emergency Fuel Allocation Program during the Arab Oil Embargo of the mid-1970’s; restructured the state’s Correctional Industries Program; and worked directly for Governor Jimmy Carter as Deputy Commissioner of Community Affairs.

After his second retirement, he joined the Georgia State Defense Force, an all-volunteer component of the Georgia Department of Defense. He played a pivotal role in training and organizing the GSDF before being awarded the rank of Brigadier General by the Governor of the State of Georgia and being appointed as Commanding General of the Force.

Michael was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend who throughout his life inspired others. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years, Phyllis Fryer McGuinn; his sister Gail McGuinn Murray, and his brother Kerry C. McGuinn. He is survived by his sister Patricia McGuinn Oxley and her children; his son Michael E. McGuinn IV and his daughter Carol McGuinn Branch, their spouses, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A Visitation will be held Sunday, November 3rd, 2024 at 1pm at Sandy Springs Chapel. Followed by a Funeral Service at 2pm. Concluding with a Committal Service accompanied by full military honors at Arlington Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions in BG McGuinn’s name to the Georgia State Defense Force, in care of: The AGSDF via check made payable to The Association of the Georgia State Defense Force. Mail checks to MAJ Bob Burgess, 2872 Hillgrove Drive, Dacula, GA 30019. Please include an email address on the check to receive a receipt.