SMSGT Donald Eugene McGuirt, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)

Donald Eugene McGuirt, Age 86, of Columbia, SC, passed away on 10-28-2025, peacefully in his home after a lengthy battle with service-related illnesses. Donald was born August 13, 1939, in Fort Mill, SC. He was the son of Mary Bernice Holsenback and John Henry McGuirt. Grandson of J.L. Holsenback and Sallie Mae Fulmer Holsenback of Ridgeway, SC, lovingly known as Mama Mae and Papa Jack. Donald is survived by his wife of 60 years Peggy (Wang, Yu) McGuirt of Tainan, Taiwan. Son Jimmie McGuirt of Columbia SC, Daughter Wanda “Andi” Heinemann (husband Don) of Maryville, Tn. Daughter Mary McGuirt-Lannan (husband Don) of Elgin SC. Grandchildren, Maria McGuirt, Matthew McGuirt, Lauren Ferguson (husband Spencer), Sarah Hadley (husband Ryan), and Liam Garris. Sister Francis Annette Hunter, sister-in-law Joan McGuirt. He is also survived by a niece, 3 nephews and many cousins. Preceding Donald in death are his parents, grandparents, brother Jesse Edward McGuirt and Sister Lori Jean Sherman White. Donald joined the Air Force in 1959 and retired as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1981. He served several tours of duty from 1965-1967 in Vietnam. During his time in the service, he was awarded multiple medals which include Meritorious Service Medals, Air Force Commendation medals, Air Medals, a Combat Readiness Medal and a Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one Bronze Star, and the Vietnam Service Medal. His Unit also earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and a National Defense Service Medal. Donald earned all Good Conduct and Longevity Service Medals available to him for his term of service. While Donald was in the service, he graduated from the Air Force Community College with a degree in communications and completed specialized training in EC121 Aircraft Systems and AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System). While in the Air Force, he also attended Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida, earning a degree in both Business and Mathematics. After retiring from the US Air Force in 1981, he was employed by the University of South Carolina and Policy Management Systems Corporation in Blythewood, SC. (later known as Computer Sciences Corporation) in 2007. Donald was a proud Veteran who loved wearing his military hats displaying his service. He loved conversing with people while out at local restaurants and businesses, creating special bonds with both the servers and other patrons. Donald never met a stranger and was always there to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. Some of his hobbies were playing golf, the arts, and fishing. He had a passion for taking on major home improvement projects and proved to be gifted in those skills. Although he had a very distinguished career in both the Air Force and Corporate Life, he valued and loved his family above all else. He was a very loving husband, father, and grandfather, serving not only his own immediate family, but also prioritized caring for anyone he loved, both family and friend. Celebration of Life events will take place on Friday, November 7th, at Shives Funeral Home Trenholm Road Chapel. 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, Sc 29223. Visitation will take place at 10 a.m., followed by a Service at 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend the burial ceremony at 12 p.m. at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC 29229. A processional with police escort will be held from the service to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Donalds memory may be directed to Aimwell Presbyterian Church, PO Box 146, Ridgeway, SC 29130, or Carolina Sunshine for Children, P.O. Box 1803, Columbia, SC 29202. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Tributes

SMSGT Donald Eugene McGuirt, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)

August 13, 1939 - October 28, 2025