Bobby J. McGuire, 86, of Lexington, Alabama passed away Friday, June 23, in Decatur, Alabama. A native of Lexington, he was a 1949 graduate of Lexington High School and later received a B.S. Degree in Education from Florida State Christian College.
Immediately following graduation from high school, Bobby accepted a position with Reynolds Alloys working as a Millwright. In his spare time, he played baseball all over North Alabama, where local folks paid him to play for their teams. In 1949 he met Jo Peppers, of St. Joseph, Tennessee at one of his ballgames. Her Mom and Dad were an integral part of that initial meeting because they were regulars at the ballfield and frequently talked to her of that “handsome Bobby McGuire” who was an outstanding baseball player. They were married June 30, 1950 at the Courthouse in Iuka, Mississippi.
He then joined the Navy at the beginning of the Korean War, where he was stationed in Oklahoma and Texas. While in Kingsville, Texas, Bobby became a standout baseball player for the Navy, making a name for himself as a “left-handed” homerun hitter, playing the positions of first baseman and pitcher. As a result of his playing ability, he was contacted by several major league organizations and accepted an invitation to attend the Detroit Tigers spring training in Lakeland, Florida. At the conclusion of spring training, he was offered a contract. However, at the time, baseball was not a big money contract sport, so he declined the contract and returned home to Alabama to work at Reynolds Aluminum and raise a family. He continued to play semi-pro baseball in North Alabama and Southern Tennessee for many years. Bobby’s enthusiasm for baseball led him to begin coaching youth teams in Lexington, where he had at least one undefeated team. He often said, “Some of my proudest accomplishments were watching the boys I coached grow into men.”
Bobby was always an ardent supporter of the town of Lexington, which ultimately led him into politics. When the town was incorporated in 1959, he served on the initial Lexington town council. He continued to serve for the next 49 years, during which time he served on the council or in multiple terms as Mayor of the town. Some of his biggest accomplishments as Mayor were the development of the city pool and the industrial park, bringing in city water, industries, to include a mobile home factory and sewing plants that employed hundreds. He was active in the Lions Club, the North Alabama Council of Local Governments, and was a Mason in the Lexington Lodge. He retired from Reynolds (twice) and also from the Lauderdale County Board of Education, where he served as Director of Maintenance and Transportation. He also served for many years as a volunteer EMT and member of the Lexington Fire Department for the City of Lexington.
He was a life-long member of the Lexington United Methodist Church, served as Chairman of the Board and taught Sunday School for over 50 years. He was also instrumental in starting the Lexington Food Pantry that provided for local citizens in need.
Two of Bobby’s greatest traits were empathy and compassion. He was truly one of those people who would give you the shirt off of his back, never wanting attention or recognition for deeds done. Bobby was always looking for ways to help those who were unable to help themselves and, if he couldn’t do it, he found someone who could.
Bobby was a wonderful husband, father, and friend, and never met a stranger. His love for his family and the community around him kept him going, even during tough times.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Willie Jo Peppers McGuire, two sons, Mike (Treesa) McGuire of Decatur, Alabama, Brian Keith McGuire of Evergreen, Alabama, and Susan McGuire Adams of Nashville, Tennessee. He was the grandfather of 7 grandchildren, Christopher, Daniel, Rachel, Jon Thomas, Mitchell, Dillon, and JoAnna, to whom he was affectionately known as “Daddy Bob.” He is also survived by his brother, Sam (Liz) Newton of Lexington, Alabama and a sister, Marjorie Martin, Cantonment, Florida, Sister-in-Law, Allene Belew, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Arrangements for Mr. McGuire will be held at Lexington United Methodist Church on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. with Danny Pettus, Henry Melton, and Sam Hayes officiating. The burial will follow in Pettus Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at Lexington United Methodist Church.
In his memory, donations may be made to the Neca Allgood Teacher’s Scholarship Fund at Bank Independent for students attending Lexington High School, to honor his late Mother’s passion for teaching school and to help those who would like to attend college for an education degree. A special thanks go to his doctors, Dr. Steve Wampler, Dr. Felix Morris, Dr. H. Abusaid, and his special caregivers, Vanessa McDaniel, Janet McNatt, and Misty Wilson from Southern Care Hospice who made this journey a little easier. The family thanks you for your prayers.
