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Billy J. McGough

FUNERAL HOME

All Care Cremation & Burial Services

1541 E. Thomas Road

Phoenix, Arizona

Billy McGough Obituary

Billy J. McGough Billy J. McGough, 74, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully in his home on December 27, 2005. The third of 5 children, Billy was born to Elbert and Mamie McGough in Kentucky on November 1, 1931. He is survived by his mother, Mamie McGough, 95 years old; his wife, Lou of 53 years; sister, Marion (Rosario) Porto; brother, Larry McGough; 5 children, Lonna (Scott) Rollefstad, Steve (Kathy) McGough, Phil (Eva) McGough, Renee (Gerd) Scholz, Tawnya McGough and his 5 grandchilden, Danielle and David, Katie and Bridget, Sabrina, and his beloved pets, Aja and Levi. Visitation will be held from 4-8PM, Friday, December 30, 2005, Mercer Chapel, 1541 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ, 85014.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Dec. 29, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Billy McGough

16 Entries

Gail & Scott Glessing

January 2, 2006

We did not know Billy well but through Tawnya we know he was a great man and much loved by all.We are happy our paths have crossed and though life is short,there is nothing finer than family and friends to keep the life stories alive.

With love to Tawnya,Lou and family.

Joyce Augenstein

January 2, 2006

Dear AuntMamie, Lou and Family, I was so sorry to hear of billy's passing. I saw him the last time I was in Phoenix, going on 4 years ago. It was Aunt Mamies b'day and I reminded her of how she nursed me along with Billy, as he was only 4 days older than me, until my mother finally got some milk. I will be praying for the family. Joyce McGough Augenstein. Love you ALL.

Tawnya McGough

January 1, 2006

My father, my dad, 1/2 of 2 who loved us and guided us and never waivered. For too long you were in pain now you can run and laugh again. You are missed and will forever be loved. Keep watching over us as we all will need it. I love you, I cry, but I will not give in because I am my father's daughter. I will have the strength to achieve. Until I see you again keep watching over me.

Love,

Your baby girl

Mike Neal

December 31, 2005

I never got to know Billy like I would have like to but everytime I went to the house he allway greeted me with a smile and a good firm hand shake,he never judged me for being the long hair creepy person that Iam, and allways treated me like I was part of the family. I allway felt welcome and allways left the house with a hand shake and a invitation to come back anytime. to his family i send my warmest sympathy.And if any of you ever need anything I would hope that you will call us, we will allways be there for you.

Liana Neal

December 30, 2005

It is with heavy heart that I write this note of condolence to Billy's family.... my family.

I was welcomed into Billy's loving embrace the very moment we met 16 years ago. Since that day, I've never walked into the McGough house without a warm hug followed up with are you thirsty,hungry, can I fix you something to eat. I never left the McGough house without the same warm hug and kiss that I received when I came in.

He was the kind of man that no matter how brief your encounter with him, when you walked away you felt warm and genuinely cared about. I know I cant even begin to find the words to say to Tawnya and to the rest of my extended family, but I do want to let you all know that he will always be in my thoughts, and I will always cherish the time I had with Billy. I will forever be grateful for the way he touched my life in that special way that only Billy could.

with love Liana Neal

Bob & Velma Harman

December 30, 2005

Bill was a great friend to me and all of his Neighbors.I walked to Bill's House almost every day and he always greeted me. Love to Lou whom I know is going to miss him.

To all of his family,he is now fine and with the Lord in Heaven.

He is not in misery from his healh and is watching our every move and I'm sure he still has the same smile on his face, ahen he thinks about the 48 LB fish he caught.

Love to all.

Luana Smothers

December 30, 2005

My heartfelt sympathy to Lou and the kids. Take care of yourselves and I am thinking of you.

Love you,

Luana

Carmolette Cluff

December 29, 2005

To Lou and family:

I had the opportunity to know Billy as my neighbor for 37 years. He was the best neighbor a person could have. When I needed help he was there. We had many wonderful conversations on the back patio. Billy took care of my yard and thought of my yard as his yard. He loved my dogs. He trained my Jasmine the perimeters of the yard, which of course included his yard. He helped me build agility equipment for Jasmine. He helped train her and throughly enjoyed coming over to see her when I was gone from home. He would enjoy having her run the agility courses that were set up for him. He would then tell me I wasn't the only person she would run agility for. Look what she does for me. He enjoyed teaching Inca that not all men are bad. He was so proud that she came up to him and let him pet her and love on her. He enjoyed watching Blaze who is 13 years old become a healthy baby as he called her. Billy delighted in bringing dog bones for the dogs.

Billy did the irrigation for me. He throughly enjoyed watching Jasmine and Inca play in the water.

Billy sure enjoyed his fishing. I would say to him, "Are you going fishing again?" He would always reply, "I gotta go fishin' as much as I can. I feel much better when I go fishin'"

Billy was always proud of how many fish he would catch or how big the fish was. He would have a picture taken so he could prove how many or how big the fish were. I am so thankful about 2 months ago he caught a cat fish that was over 48 pounds. He was so very proud of the fish. In the picture it looks like it is just about as big as Billy.

Billy was always working on his boat so it would be perfect to go fishing. I told him he was always working on that boat. What can you possibly keep doing to that boat. He would always tell me if I can't go fishin' I can work on the boat so it will be ready when I decide to go.

Billy was Billy! There will never be another Billy. He was the best neighbor and friend a person could have. That doesn't mean we always agreed on things but we enjoyed sitting on the back patio visiting, watching the dogs, discussing the people we loved, visiting with other neighbors that would come by to visit and come back on the patio.

I guess I am rambling but how can you condense 37 years into just a few paragraphs.

To the family I say Billy was much loved in the neighborhood. The neighborhood is in deep mourning and will miss Billy much more than they realize because I don't know of a neighbor that didn't depend on Billy for something.

May God bless you and let you know Billy is in a better place, without pain and at peace. Most likely if there is a fishing hole he will be there having a great time.

With love to all of you.

Carmolette, Inca, Jasmine and Blaze

Maude Martin

December 29, 2005

To Lou and her family I send prayers that God be with you. I have known Billy since my daughter, Carmolette, moved next door in 1968. Billy helped me many times when Carmolette was out of the state. Billy was always there. He would answer the phone, "Hello Darlin'". Sometimes he would just call to say "Hello" and he always called me grandma. I will miss Billy and I have many wonderful memories of Billy. May God Bless your family especially at this time of need.

Maude (Grandma) Martin

Tracy Smothers-Spirko

December 29, 2005

Lou, Aunt Mamie and The Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. I myself have some great childhood memories of coming to your house. I was always thrilled when Mom and Dad would say we are going to Billy and Lou's. I'm sure there is a Fisherman's Paradise in Heaven, and Billy is up there catching the Big Ones! Take Care, God Bless!! You are in my Thoughts and Prayers.

Tracy

Dot & Tom Inman

December 29, 2005

Our deepest sympathy to all of Billy's family, and especially so to Mama Mamie. May God Bless, and Comfort all of you in your hour of grief.

Kathy and Bill White

December 29, 2005

Bill and I are neighbors of Gerd and Rene.We enjoyed getting to know her dad at birthday celebrations and get togethers.

Bill said he had enjoyed several long talks with Billy. We are sorry for your loss but

thankful that he went peacefully and painlessly. We will pray for your family .

God Bless you all. Kathy and Bill White

Vikki Smothers Shaw

December 29, 2005

Dearest Lou, Aunt Mamie & family, I am so sorry to hear about Billy.

I have the fondest childhood memories of him. Even went fishing with him & Dad (Jr. Smothers) a few times when I was just a little bitty girl... Billy was a Fishin' Fool! (Said fondly!). I remember rides in the "bucket" up and down the street on Garfield with Lonna & Steve. Billy was Always one of my favorite cousins. I regret not being in touch more over the years. Time & Miles has a way of doing that.

I pray that all of you will find peace soon.

All My Love,

Vikki Smothers Shaw

vikkism at cox.net if you want to email.

Renee' Scholz

December 29, 2005

Billy J. McGough was my dad.

I want to THANK everyone who knew and loved my dad! If you put something in this guest book I want to THANK you again. Your comments will mean the world to me!

My dad was a great dad but most of all he was the best Grandpa you could ask for. He loved his grandchildren with all of his heart and soul. I am greatful for my daughter Sabrina to have him around for 11 years. Dad loved Sabrina so much! All you would have to do is look into his eyes and there was so much love when you even talked about her and the other grandchildren.

Gerd & I will miss him very much.

I know Sabrina is having a hard time dealing with this now but hope she can eventually get her emotions out so she can start dealing with losing her grandpa.

I know my dad is in a better place right now and he will not have to suffer any more. My heart goes out to my wonderful mother and hope she can move on with her life. My sister Tawnya I know in time she will be strong and know she did all she could of done for my father.

Lonna, Steve, Phillip, & Tawnya we have to keep this family going strong and keep it a family like dad would want.

To all the fishermen out there keep fishing for my father!

I LOVE YOU DADDY!!!

Your Loving daughter,

Renee'

Teresa Campbell

December 29, 2005

I am a friend of Renee's. I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and Prayers are with the entire family. Sincerely, Teresa and Sierra

Patricia Macagnone

December 29, 2005

My deepest regret to the McGough family for their loss.

I knew Billy McGough through my friend, his daughter, Renee Scholz. Billy was always friendly and kind to me and my children. His love for children is what I will cherish the most. At family gatherings Billy would always make a point to give my daughter some special hugs only Grandpa's can give.

We will miss you.

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