Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Family, friends, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and country music living legend, George Jones, joined forces to grant one last wish for Russell McGuire, 77, of Versailles.

Russell, who has battled the dreaded disease of cancer for the past five years, got bad news in September from his doctors. “They told him and us, he had hours to weeks to live,” noted his son, Von.

Anyone who knows Russell, knows his love for music, country in particular. A niece set the wheels in motion and soon he received a call from George Jones. “How do you know it’s really George?” family members asked him. “I know his voice,” Russell replied.

On September 28 his dream came true to actually get to meet the country music star. The entire McGuire family were whisked away in a luxury RV and taken to Little Nashville where Russell had front row seats to the concert.

The story begins with Von looking for a way to get his father to the event. “I knew he couldn’t ride in a car, he was just too weak,” Von told The Versailles Republican. He then called on a friend, Steve Freeman, from Shirk’s International. He connected Von with Don Horan and the rest is a story of giving.

Horan, who had recently sold a business, had purchased a brand new RV. “This thing was leather everything and top of the line,” noted Von. The RV pulled up at Russell’s Versailles home, with Horan getting out and then helping Von to carry his father inside. The whole family traveled in the RV, making the day a special one for Russell.

“We are entirely grateful to have such a donation of friendship and help in giving our father one of the most wonderful evenings of his life,” noted Von. He went on to say that they consider Horan an “angel” because he didn’t even know the family, but came to their rescue “without reason or cause.” He wouldn’t accept any money even for gas. “The only thing he asked of the McGuire family, was what time he needed to pick dad up,” Von noted. When Von tried to pay Horan for the fuel, he replied, “Now that would take all the fun out of it.”

Von said this man was an inspiration to their family and wanted the story to be told to others.

Playing and singing music is as much a part of Russell as breathing. He is known throughout the music community. Anyone who has ever heard him knows he’s famous for his rendition of “I Don’t Need Your Rocking Chair,” by who else, George Jones! He performed that song, along with others, when the Keith Swinney Band was opening for a concert with well-known country music stars. In a good natured play, Swinney said he couldn’t take Russell anymore, because he upstaged him!

Seeing his favorite musician in person was a dream come true for Russell. Jones signed the guitar his wife, Juanita, had purchased for him in 1967. She died in October of 1999. Russell also received a kiss from Jones’ wife, Nancy, which he said was “the highlight of the trip.”

Even though Russell was carried into the RV and then onto the music hall floor, he was standing inside when George Jones walked onto the stage. “He just loves his music,” Von noted. Jones took extra time with Russell, and the two were like “old friends,” according to family members.

Having his family by his side is also important to Russell. His wife, Sheila, went on the trip, along with daughter, Guyeula Bowling, who resides in Ohio, and daughter, Rhonda Taylor, and son Von, both of Versailles, along with grandchildren.

Although this has been a trying time for the McGuire family, they hold to their faith, and know Russell will soon join the big band in Heaven. After all, he has been blessed with talent and can play almost any stringed instrument, but the guitar is his favorite choice. “He’s known as the King of the RV park in Florida,” laughed Von, who said his father would spend winters in the Sunshine State.

Russell has played in various music venues, and was a popular act at the Music in the Park series held at the Holton Community Park for several years. He and his wife also did some singing together.
“We are so thankful for all the people who have come together to make his last days more comfortable. We appreciate all of this more than we can say,” concluded Von.

(Editor's note: Russell passed away this morning, October 9. Rites are pending at Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home, Versailles.)

SUBMITTED PHOTO George Jones, right, reaches out a hand to Russell McGuire of Versailles, giving him the thrill of a lifetime. Russell recently attended a George Jones Concert in Little Nashville through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.