David Michael McGuire

David Michael McGuire of Culleoka, Tennessee, peacefully entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on June 13, 2024, at the age of 73. Dave was a loving husband to his wife and best friend, Mary Ellen, for 43 years; a wonderful, supportive dad to his daughter, Molly; and a hilarious, paper-airplane-making grandfather (“Grets”) to his beloved granddaughters, Amelia and Caroline.

Dave was born on November 19, 1950 in Redlands, California, to the late Clifford Earl McGuire and Roberta Lee (Henson) McGuire. The youngest of five children, he counted himself blessed to have two sisters, Barbara (d. 2010) and Dorothy, as well as two big brothers, Bill (d. 2017) and Ed (d. 2009). After graduating from Redlands High School in 1968, Dave went on to a successful career as an airline pilot, but not before enjoying stints in farming, insurance, and flight instruction, which is where he met Mary Ellen in 1977. They were married in 1980, and Molly completed their family in 1984. In 1990, the family began a wonderful adventure living on Kwajalein, in the Marshall Islands, where Dave continued to fly (and play golf…lots of golf), and he and Mary formed lifelong friendships. After returning to Kingsburg, California in 1995, Dave flew for both Great American Airways and RenoAir before making his final aviation home with American Airlines, where he retired as a Captain in 2015. Aviation provided him with a long, rewarding career that allowed him to see just about every corner of the United States, as well as parts of South America, Europe, and Asia. Just as importantly, it gifted him with a special group of “pilot buddies”, many of whom he counted among his most valued friendships.

Though his humble nature prevented him from acknowledging it, Dave was wickedly smart and good at just about everything he tried. He enjoyed a wide range of hobbies throughout his life, with some favorites being golf (have we mentioned he liked to golf?), baseball, woodworking, studying the Bible, playing mixed doubles tennis with Mary Ellen, riding their Harley-Davidson, reading, music, playing softball, and fixing just about anything that needed fixing. He was always learning, and was at one point licensed to sell real estate as well as drive semi-trucks in addition to his “day job” as a pilot. You never knew what he was going to master next. Amelia likes to remind us that “Grets really did know everything”, and while that may not be entirely true, it was easy to wonder when he was mercilessly beating you in Trivial Pursuit or Jeopardy! He was a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Rams, and could easily summon obscure sports factoids at a moment’s notice.

Dave approached his battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in the same manner he approached everything else in life: with faith, courage, grace, resilience, integrity, and his trademark sense of humor. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the gifted medical providers at the Vanderbilt Lung Institute, especially Erica Ludke, NP, as well as the care team at Compassus Hospice in Columbia, Tennessee.

He is survived by his devoted, loving wife, Mary Ellen; daughter, Molly Pinkley and son-in-law, Sam (Franklin, TN); sister, Dorothy Boyce and brother-in-law, Larry (Independence, MO); granddaughters, Amelia and Caroline Pinkley (Franklin, TN); brother-in-law, Ed Dunn, and sister-in-law, Janelle (Fresno, CA); as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family, and a host of treasured friends.

As Dave told Molly before his passing: “Cry if you must, but be comforted in knowing I am with Jesus, and will see you before we know it.” More than anything, Dave would want you to know Jesus, too.

Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate Dave’s life on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Judson Baptist Church (4900 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN). Visitation will begin at 10a, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11a.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, Judson Baptist Church, or Ligonier Ministries.