Willard H. McBride

Willard Hiram "Mac" McBride passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, at the age of 101. A true American story, Mac's life was one of perseverance, selflessness, and quiet heroism. From humble beginnings in Corsicana, Texas, he grew into a man whose legacy touched countless lives.

Born on January 23, 1924, during the Great Depression, Mac grew up in poverty and left school in the 5th grade to help care for his mother, two sisters, and brother while his father was in and out of their lives. Despite his limited formal education, Mac's grit and determination were unmatched. He picked cotton for 50 cents a day and earned extra money by watering horses and picking corn.

He later found work at Red River Arsenal and Lone Star Ammunition Plant in Texarkana, earning 50 cents an hour before enlisting in the U.S. Navy at the age of 18 during World War II. As a Coxswain Petty Officer 2nd Class aboard the USS Argonne, he was responsible for maintaining the ship and helping repair damaged vessels-serving his country with courage for nearly three years.

When he returned home and jobs were scarce, he joined the Merchant Marines, serving four more years as an Able-Bodied Seaman on cargo ships, delivering supplies to England and sending his entire paycheck back home to support his family.

In 1946, while returning home aboard the RMS Aquitania, he met a young Englishwoman, Irene Cullum. Although initially separated by distance and family opposition, love prevailed. Irene later left England at 21 and joined Mac in Texarkana. They married and built a life together.

Mac worked his way up to Superintendent at Lone Star Ammunition Plant. During a layoff, he selflessly gave up his position to a coworker and retired. He and Irene were deeply industrious, owning four apartment complexes and several rental properties. Mac also became a savvy investor, achieving a level of success that belied his early hardships. He never lost the strong work ethic and honesty that defined him.

He was a provider, a protector, a gentleman, and the rock of his family. He loved hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. He always went the extra mile, met life with a positive attitude, and remained humble through it all.

At age 98, Mac was baptized and received Christ into his life, beginning what his family fondly called his "celebrity status." He became a beloved figure at a large church, often recognized with high-fives and handshakes. His 100th birthday in 2024 was celebrated far and wide: three birthday parties, recognition at a Dallas Stars hockey game (featured on the NHL website), an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., with his daughter, visits to Amsterdam and Oregon, and special time with his great-grandsons at a their school in Plano, TX on its 100th day.

Mac is preceded in death by his father, Byron, mother Lena, sisters Gladys and Viola, brother James, half-siblings Dude and Mary, and nieces Carolyn, Kathey, and Tiffany.

He is survived by his devoted daughter Lynda (and her partner Larry); her children Terre (Greg and their children Christian, Ashlyn, and Blake [Crissy] with daughters Kara and Adalyn), Jeff (Lauren and their sons Jeffrey and Jack), and Jessica. He is also survived by his son Donald "Buddy" and his daughters Michelle (Jimmy and their daughter Victoria) and Tracey (Shawn and their sons Dawson [Savanna] and Hayden); as well as nieces Clydie, Patricia (James), Sandra, Lena (John), Jamie, Connie; and nephews Timothy and Garvey.

Willard Hiram McBride was more than a man-he was an inspiration. A fifth-grade education never limited his dreams. He lived with honor, served with pride, gave selflessly, loved deeply, and left a legacy that will continue for generations.

What a true blessing he was to all who knew him. He will be missed dearly and remembered always.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Chapelwood Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will take place an hour before. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity or the Texas Fragile X Association, 4127 Briarbend Rd, Dallas, TX 75287.