Thomas "Tom" Wilcox McGuire Jr.

Col. Thomas Wilcox McGuire, Jr., “Tom”, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, died suddenly on October 9, 2015, at the age of 85. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Bernice McGuire; son and daughter in law, Mark and Stephanie McGuire; 3 grandchildren, Tiffany Simpson (Marshall), Kristopher McGuire (Kelly) and Kaitlan McGuire; 3 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many wonderful friends.

Tom Wilcox McGuire, Jr. was born March 24, 1930 in Belle, West Virginia. He spent his younger days in the coal fields of W.V. where his father was Chief Engineer and his mother was a Teacher. He studied Pre-Medicine at Marietta College and West Virginia University from 1947-1951. Upon the receipt of a draft notice from the U.S. Army in 1951, he decided to sign up for Aviation Cadets. In January 1953, he graduated from flying school as a Second Lieutenant. Tom served many years as a fighter pilot flying F-80’s, F84G’s, F84F’s, F-100’s, F-101’s, F-105’s and F4C’s. In 1967, he flew 100 missions over North Vietnam leading all missions which included 31 in Route Pact Six in the Hanoi area. His decorations included the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross and 11 Air Medals. His notable assignments include: U.S. Senate Liaison Officer for USAF, Chief Management of the Engineering Department, Air Training Command, Assistant Director of Operations, 49th Tactical Fighter Wing, and Faculty Department Chief of the Air War College, Maxwell AFB. Colonel McGuire was also a graduate of the Squadron Officers School, Air Command and Staff College, Air War College and the Army War College (1972). In addition, he held a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Omaha and a Master’s degree in Business from George Washington University. Upon his retirement from the Air Force, Tom worked for five years as a commercial real estate broker. After 5 years of being a commercial real estate broker, he worked 5 years in the Public Service Commission on the Consumer Staff in State Government followed by 5 years with the Alabama Development Office where he created and published the Alabama Industrial Directory.

Tom was an avid golfer and a devoted member of the Arrowhead Country Club since 1974. He first shot under his age at 65 with a 63. He shot under his age at least 1,000 times before he passed away.

Funeral Services will be held at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, October 15, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Lance Eiland officiating. A Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until service time. A Graveside Service at Alabama Heritage Cemetery will be held upon the closing of funeral services.

Honorary Pallbearers are Nick Camerio, Lt. Col. Glyn Gray, Art Mawhinney, Dave Morrow, Jim Perkins and Dave Seagraves.

Donations in Tom’s honor may be made to Robinson Springs United Methodist Church, 5980 Main Street, Millbrook, Alabama 36054 or Smile Train, www.smiletrain.org/.

Online condolences may be made at www.alabamaheritagefh.com.