Billy Ward McGaha of Plano, Texas passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on February 22, 2018 at the age of 80. He was born on July 19, 1937 to Arthur Howard and Mary Elizabeth (Lindsey) McGaha. Bill publicly professed faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized in the First Baptist Church of Forney, Texas at the age of 14. He graduated from Cooper High School in 1956 and attended Paris Junior College and Richland Community College. Bill married the love of his life and best friend, Sandra “Sandy” Jean Stewart, on February 13, 1971. He was a devoted and incredibly proud father of Angela and Dalton. Bill was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church of Richardson, Texas. He drove a truck as a Teamster for over 50 years. Bill was a 40-year member of the Masonic fraternity and a past Master of White Rock Lodge #234. He leveraged his association with the Masons to help meet special needs of children in his community. Bill enjoyed working on classic, American-made cars and loved Honda motorcycles, owning and riding several over his lifetime. He was an avid student of history most recently studying Christian history (was reading the works of Josephus). Bill was a gifted story-teller with a seemingly endless supply of material; however, his favorite subjects were his five grandchildren, who he adored. Bill faithfully lived Christ’s directive to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” He checked on and helped anyone in need: repaired cars and lawnmowers, mowed lawns, lent out tools and equipment, shared meals, gifted flowers from his and Sandy’s gardens, cared for children in need, and was a friend to all. Bill was always quick to help and support family and friends. He was instrumental in securing jobs for several nephews. Bill never missed his grandchildren’s recitals, shows, games or other events and was always their biggest cheerleader and their teams’ honorary mascot. He had an unwavering love and devotion to family and friends and called or visited frequently to chat, often at length, and always ended with a heartfelt “I love ya!” Each grandchild, niece and nephew thought he/she was his favorite.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Sandra Jean Stewart McGaha of Plano, Texas; daughter, Angela Thompson and husband, Dane of Sachse, Texas; son, Dalton McGaha and wife, Jennifer of Plano, Texas; sisters, Mary Melia Wilson of Sulphur Springs, Texas and Linda Joy Burns and husband, Butch of Cooper, Texas; grandchildren, Ethan and Avery Thompson, Chandler, Riley and Sadie Jane McGaha; and a host of dearly loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at Prestonwood Baptist Church, 6801 W. Park Blvd., Plano, Texas 75093. Interment will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The family will receive visitors during a visitation on Sunday afternoon, February 25, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of Plano Medical City, Vitas Hospice Care and Villages of Mapleshade who cared for and showed such love and kindness to Bill in the final months and moments of his earthly life.
Memorials may be made to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.