Ricky Dale McGuire, age 69, of Monroe, North Carolina, passed away Monday, April 27, 2026, at Hospice of Union County.

Born on August 8, 1956, in Concord, North Carolina, Ricky was the son of the late James Henry McGuire and Elizabeth Eugene Sutton McGuire.

Ricky was a man who never quite outgrew the joy of being a kid, and everyone who knew him was better for it. He found his happiness in the simple, honest things: casting a line in the water, setting up camp outdoors, walking through the woods, or standing proudly over a project he built with his own two hands. Whether he was working in construction or at the cotton mill, Ricky believed in hard work and took pride in everything he did.

He had a special love for Magnolia trees and a knack for building model projects with patience and care. If there was a game of horseshoes nearby, you could bet Ricky was right in the middle of it.

More than anything, Ricky loved being an uncle. He was the kind who didn’t just watch from the sidelines, he climbed the trees, hid around corners for hide-and-seek, and got right down on the ground to play. To his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, he wasn’t just family, he was an adventure. He had a gift for connecting with children, for slowing down and showing them the wonder of the outdoors, the value of curiosity, and the joy of getting a little dirt on your hands.

Ricky lived life in his own way, and as many would say with a smile, “Ricky does Ricky things.” He was known for his stubborn streak, but it was that same determination that shaped his life, his work, and the love he gave so freely.

He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, muddy boots, unfinished projects, and countless memories. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in every fishing trip, every tall tree climbed, and every child who finds wonder in the great outdoors.

Those left to cherish his memory are his three siblings, sixteen nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews that adored him.

In addition to his parents, Ricky is preceded in death by three brothers and one sister and two nephews. His beloved dog named “dog” and his pig Wilbur.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Union County.

Holland Funeral Service is serving the McGuire Family.