William Carl McGuffey, 87, of Lake Como, entered into his eternal glory on Friday, September 25th at Kiva Assisted Living Center after an extended illness. Bill was born in Ada, Ohio to Carl and Doreen McGuffey and moved to Michigan at the age of 3. Bill served as a US Navy Pilot during WWII flying the PT-19 Biplane, the AT-6 Texan, the TBM (torpedo bomber) and transitioned to jets flying the Cougar. Bill continued to serve in the Navy Reserves for 10 more years. After the war, he returned to Michigan Sate University where he majored in agriculture and earned a masters degree in horticulture. Bill began working for Great Western Sugar Company and spent more than 28 years as a field-man, agricultural manager and district general manager living in many western states. Later he worked as a manager in agricultural chemicals for Fisons, BFC Chemicals, and Michigan Sugar Company from which he retired in 1990.

Retirement brought Bill to Lake Como, a place he had visited since the 1950s when his parents retired here. Bill remodeled the McGuffey homestead and continued his agriculture life as a hobby with citrus trees and thousands of sweet onions! He loved his land and loved giving away fruit and onions to Bread of Life Soup Kitchen where he also volunteered countless hours. Bill loved the outdoors: hiking, hunting, fishing and boating. He was a competitive rifle shooter for many years winning many tournaments. Bill also had a passion for antique wooden boats and motors, building and restoring several. Bill was an active member of 1st Baptist Church of Palatka. Bill is survived by his wife of 64 years, Norma Jean McGuffey, three children, David (Tina) of Laurel, MD; Patrick (Cindy) of Beatrice, NE; and Greg (Kathy) of Pomona Park; five grandchildren: Megan Willet (Chris) of Omaha,NE, Luke (Kristina) of Greeley, CO, Logan (Chelsea)of Omaha, NE, Erich (Tania)of Ft. Bliss, TX and Alex of Lancaster, CA; one great-granddaughter, Molly, and numerous nieces and nephews. Three infant children predeceased Bill. Bill will always be remembered for his generosity, his kind and gentle spirit, and his helpfulness to all in need. He will be greatly missed. A Memorial Service will be held at Johnson- Overturf Funeral Home 307 South Palm Avenue, Palatka, FL 32177at 11:00am Saturday, Oct 6th. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of the Nature Coast, 6721 Crill Ave, Palatka, FL 32177 Kiva of Palatka 201 Zeagler Drive, Palatka, FL 32177 or 1st Baptist Church of Palatka, 501 Oak Street; Palatka, FL 32177