Rutherford "Rudd" Thomas McGuire's Obituary
Rutherford Thomas McGuire passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023 at the age of 77. He was born on April 18, 1946 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to the late Willie Estes “Buffalo Bill” McGuire and Bernice Mildred Howell McGuire.
Rudd was the adoring husband of Kristine Watts McGuire, and the loving father of Shannon McGuire and Suzanna McGuire. Rudd was the proud grandfather of Jack and Matthew Doty, and Abigail and William Jones. He was the brother of the late Diann Stringer and Dr. William McGuire.
Rudd grew up in the small town of Talihina, Oklahoma, where he rode horses, competed in local rodeos, and played an array of sports. He graduated from The University of Oklahoma in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy. Upon graduation he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and was sent to pilot training. The Air Force sparked his need for adventure and Rudd spent the next 40 years traveling and living around the world as a pilot in the military and for Northwest Airlines. Upon his retirement as a Captain, he had over 12,000 flight hours. The true renaissance man he was, he maintained his status as a registered pharmacist and practiced pharmacy in his downtime for several years. Rudd could navigate anything from a hot air balloon, to a 747, or a giant van through the streets of London.
Aside from his professional accolades, Rudd was a genuine person with an infectious personality and will be remembered by all who ever met him. He loved his family as deeply as anyone can and they are blessed to have had him in their lives. He and his wife recently relocated to Mandeville, Louisiana, to be closer to family.
He is proceeded in death by his parents Buffalo Bill and Bernice McGuire, his sister Diann Stringer, and his brother Dr. William McGuire. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Kristine McGuire of Mandeville, Louisiana, his daughter Shannon McGuire and grandchildren Abigail and William Jones of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, and daughter Suzanna McGuire, son-in-law Shane Doty and grandchildren Jack and Matthew Doty of Davidson, NC. He also leaves behind many in-laws, nieces and nephews, all of whom he adored.
Relatives and friends are invited to the Memorial Service at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W. 21st Ave., Covington, LA 70433 on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at 3:00 PM with visitation from 1:00 PM until service time. If desired, donations may be made to Team Gleason Foundation, www.teamgleason.org, or Paralyzed Veterans of America, www.pva.org. Please Share a Memory on the Tribute Wall at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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