Joe Mcbride

Joe Thompson McBride, 89, of Pacolet, SC, peacefully went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at 7:55 PM in the loving arms of his wife and daughters, as they sang him into his eternal reward with his favorite song, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. Born July 10, 1926, in Union County, SC, he was the son of the late Joseph Bernard McBride and Judith Mae Prince McBride. Joe was a graduate of Pacolet High School Class of 1944, successful founder, and former CEO of ServiceMaster Distributor of the Carolinas. He had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ March 16, 1969 that revolutionized his life. He vigorously served the Lord in his local church, Pacolet United Methodist Church, and across many denominations as a coordinator of Lay Witness Missions up and down the east coast for over a decade. Serving on the Board of Directors at his church, he also taught Sunday School, was a Lay Leader, served on the Building and Pastor-Parrish Relations Committees. He was passionate about his God, his family and his organic farm, offering gardening counsel to Clemson University Agriculture Department periodically. It was his joy to proclaim salvation through Jesus Christ alone to anyone who had ears to hear. Avidly he served the Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship in Spartanburg and he continued his outreach serving in leadership there. Those who knew him, knew if you needed help, he would come to their aid. He served with distinction in the Merchant Marines in World War II, overseeing inventory on his ship. During this time he lost his hearing to Meniere's disease. Yet, this handicap did not stop him from fulfilling God's call on his life. He was an eager reader and self-made successful businessman and he loved to plow on his John Deere tractor. His passion and guardianship of his farm ran deeply. The torch had been passed to him upon his father's passing, keeping the family farm in the McBride name, as it had been since the founding of our nation. In his earlier years, he loved fishing, skiing, boating and hunting. He owned and operated several businesses before his last 35 years with ServiceMaster. As a boy, he loved marbles, horseshoes, and baseball in the front yard. Surviving are his precious, loving wife of 67 years, Louise Kyzer McBride. He also leaves behind his children, Judith Ann McBride, Alice M. Arráez (Andrés) and George Bernard McBride, Sr. (Gwendolyn); seven grandchildren, Judith Sullivan (Alex), Thomas Collins (Tina), Stacy Walker (Edgar), Cliff Trammell, George McBride, Jr. (Ileana), Garan Lemarr (Eddie) and Gina Parrish (Brandon); five great-grandchildren, Candice and Amber Bonner, Taylor and Hannah Inman and Asillyn Collins; and one great-great-grandson, Taven Pesaro. The family will receive friends from 2:15-3:45 PM Sunday, August 9, 2015, in the Conference Room of Pacolet United Methodist Church, 110 Glenn Springs Rd., Pacolet, SC 29372. A memorial service celebrating his life will follow at 4:00 PM, in the sanctuary, conducted by the Rev. Julie Gibson and the Rev. Jimmy Dillard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pacolet United Methodist Church, PO Box 427, Pacolet, SC 29372; or online at www.pacoletumc.org to meet urgent needs for the elderly members. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joe Thompson McBride please visit our Sympathy Store.