Edward Roy McGuire, age 78, of Galax, Virginia passed away Friday January 2, 2026 in Woltz Hospice House in Dobson, NC.

Edward was born on August 18, 1947 in Cottonwood, Idaho to the late Edward and Margie Flannery McGuire. He was also preceded in death by his three sisters and a brother, as well as a lifetime friend David Mullinicks.

Edward served in three Vietnam war campaigns including "brown water"  as a "River Rat" patrolling  the Mikong Delta where he earned a purple heart and the Vietnamese Cross of Galantry with a bronze star. He was also awarded the flag that flew proudly on the river boat that day. He also served on the USS Rowan and later with the Seabees, for a total of 26 years active duty and active reserve combined.

As a civilian,  Edward worked and retired after 35 years from Potlatch Lumber in St. Maries, Idaho.  After retirement he enjoyed working at the IGA in the dairy department and then as a custodian at the high school ,both in St Maries, Idaho. Always keeping busy.

He loved God, his family and his church family at the Nazarene Church in St. Maries. And especially his little dog,  Lola, who was always by his side. Edward also enjoyed owning and tinkering on classic and antique cars, hunting, fishing and traveling all over the country with "Sweetie".

He is survived by his wife whom he married on December 24, 2011, Janet "Sweetie" McGuire of Galax, Virginia; two sons Edward "Eddie" Everett McGuire of Illinois, and Jason Colby McGuire of St. Maries, Idaho; daughter and son-in-law April Jean and Mitchell O'Haire of Spokane Valley, Washington; five grandchildren Savannah, Shayla, Noah, Silas and Kassidee; seven great grandchildren; two step children Katie and Jeffery Blanton of Jacksonville, Florida, Dakota Powell of Spokane, Washington; four step grandchildren Allison, Dawson, Lorelei, and Kenneth "KJ"; as well as dear friends The Davis Family, The Cox Family, and Don "Cowboy" Whitecotton all of Idaho, several nieces and nephews, and special friends.

The graveside will be held Friday January 9, 2026 at 10:00AM in the Salisbury National Cemetery Annex (501 Statesville Blvd, Salisbury NC, 28144)

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the VA, any military charity, Mountain Valley Hospice or the American Cancer Society.