Obituary of Millard Dee McGuire

Millard "Preach" McGuire, 83 years, 8 months, and 3 days, went to be with the Lord Thursday, March 19, 2015 at his home in Kellyville. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary Lou Morris-McGuire; their sons, Gary McGuire and wife, Pam of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and Eric McGuire of Vacaville, California; his sisters, Mildred McGuire-Warnock and husband Johnny of Bristow, Oklahoma, Marzetta McGuire-Armitage and husband Marland of Bristow, Oklahoma, and Maridell McGuire-Johnson and late husband Floyd of Sapulpa; seven grandchildren, Justin McGuire and wife Sara-Beth of Hedgesville, West Virginia, Brandon McGuire and wife Jaclyn of Bixby, Jamie McGuire-Washburn and husband Jeff of Enid, Oklahoma, Brandi McGuire-Ennis and husband Jeremy of Sapulpa, Jeff McGuire of Sapulpa, Elijah McGuire of Kellyville, and Jonathon McGuire of Vacaville, California; fifteen great-grandchildren, including one on the way, and many relatives and close friends. Born to Clint and Willie Lawson-McGuire, Preach was a lifelong resident of Kellyville. A farmer and then oil field worker, he met his wife Mary Lou at church. They were married in their preacher's home on a Sunday morning. Preach became a first-time father on July 31, 1953 to the first of three sons. Soon after, Preach began his career traveling the world as a pipefitter. Preach gained his nickname at just three years old after attending camp meetings. He would climb atop a 25 pound lard can and shout the word of God. His grandfather McGuire called him "Preacher", and it stuck. In 1959, Preach gave his first sermon at Brother Perry's Free Holiness Church of Bristow, Oklahoma. Since then, Preach has conducted over 370 revivals all over the world, including Hawaii, Brazil, and Israel. He officiated over 2,000 funerals. Music was an important facet of his ministry, and together with his wife and sons, Preach produced four albums as The McGuire Family Gospel Singers. Reverend McGuire spent the majority of his time in hospitals and nursing homes visiting the sick and elderly. Preach's ministry went much further than the walls of his church. Many times, hearing of a need, he would arrive at the hospital before the patient. Preach's ministry stretched over 55 years. His first pastorate was Blue Bell Free Will Baptist church of Sapulpa, Oklahoma in 1961. In 1964, his second pastorate was Hobbs Free Will Baptist church in New Mexico. After evangelizing from 1965-1966, the Westside Free Will Baptist congregation accepted Preach as their pastor in July 1966. After 55 years of ministry, Reverend Preach McGuire retired October 20, 2013. Preach was honored as an Oklahoma State Chaplain, appeared with his family multiple times on the John Chick show, and was featured on many television and radio broadcasts. Souls Preach has won to the Lord are unnumbered, but he remembered each one. Preach always said he had a bigger congregation in heaven than on earth. Preach was magnetic and charismatic, known for his witty humor and enthralling, repetitious stories. He was as firm about his convictions as he was his love and forgiveness, referred to his wife as "my sweetheart", and made hundreds of road trips to keep close with his grandkids, and extended friends and family. Reverend McGuire was preceded in death by his parents, Clint and Willie McGuire; his brothers, Marvin "Winks" Eugene McGuire and Melvin Verlin McGuire; and his eldest son, Darrell Eugene McGuire. The family would like to extend their deep gratitude for Grace Hospice, and a special thanks to caregivers Nita Mashburn and Joy Hamilton. Visitation is Sunday at 7 PM at the Westside Free Will Baptist church, following evening worship service. Funeral services for Preach, also located at Westside, will be held by Green Hill Funeral Home of Sapulpa, Monday, March 23 at 2PM, with a graveside service at Sunrise Cemetery to follow. Additional viewing will be held at Green Hill Funeral Home from 6-9 PM Friday, Saturday 9-9 PM and Sunday 9 AM until 6 PM. Pallbearers will be grandsons Justin McGuire, Brandon McGuire, Jeremy Ennis, and Jeff Washburn; great-grandson Logan McGuire, and close family friend Kelly Nichols. Honorary pallbearers include grandsons Elijah McGuire, Jeff McGuire, and Jonathon McGuire. Preach had a passionate vision for the future of the Westside Free Will Baptist church. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the remaining balance of the debt payoff fund. Please contact the church, (918) 224-7229, for more information. The family has chosen to entrust the care of the service to the directors at Green Hill Funeral Home. 9182242312 www.greenhillok.com.