Jeff Blair McIlroy

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Visitation Schedule
Mabelvale United Methodist Church
10500 Woodman Street
Mabelvale, AR  72103
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Following service
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Mabelvale United Methodist Church
10500 Woodman St
Mabelvale, AR  72103
Saturday, January 24, 2015
1:00 p.m.
Cemetery
Pinecrest Memorial Park
7401 Hwy 5 N.
Alexander, AR  72002
Memorial Contributions
Outreach Ministry
Mabelvale United Methodist Church
10500 Woodman Street
Mabelvale, AR  72103
Jeff Blair McIlroyI am a Veteran.

of Mabelvale, AR

January 24, 1924 - January 20, 2015

Jeff Blair McIlroy, age 90, of Little Rock passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at Hospice Home Care. He was born January 24, 1924 in Ozark, AR to Robert G. and Mary B. McIlroy. He grew up in Ozark, but moved to Little Rock shortly before joining the US Army Air Corps during World War II.

He served as a navigator on B-17 bombers during the war, flying 47 missions in the European theatre over Italy and Germany. He was again called upon by his country to serve during the Korean Conflict where he was a Captain in the United States Air Force stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. He completed his military career as a decorated war veteran.

After WWII, he met the love of his life, Nancy Suzanne Shores. They were married on July 13, 1946. He began his career in public accounting by opening an office in Little Rock where he practiced until retirement shortly before his 50th birthday, accomplishing one of his life's goals. He was very active in the profession and took pride in serving as President of the National Society of Public Accountants, as well as serving on the IRS Advisory Board in Washington, DC.

Jeff and his long time business partner, Billy Duffield, owned Souter Construction Co., Inc., which was instrumental in developing the Arkansas River Navigation System. He always enjoyed being on the river and helping bid and plan for the execution of the jobs.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf and bridge, but his main activities after retirement consisted of woodworking in his well-equipped shop and serving his church, Mabelvale United Methodist, in many different roles. He chaired the Finance Committee for many years and he served as a lay minister, conducting his last service at the age of 90. He made many friends and touched countless lives through his service to the church.

His children carry, in their hearts, many fond and wonderful memories of a father who was stern, but compassionate, who had a wonderful sense of humor, who was a tireless worker around the home and who was always willing to help with any project with which we needed assistance. He was a man of high integrity who taught us how to be good people and insisted that we were. He had a deep and abiding faith which guided his daily living. He was a loving and supporting spouse and he lived his life to the fullest. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren all of whom experienced many huge family gatherings for Thanksgiving and Christmas at ''Pop's'' or ''Gigi-Pop's'' house, as well as endless summertime hours spent in the swimming pool.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents; his brother; his daughter-in-law, Jill McIlroy and his wife, Nancy Shores McIlroy. He is survived by his son, Richard McIlroy and two daughters, Blair (Doug) Ragsdale and Nim (Larry) Barnett, all of Little Rock. He was grandfather to six grandchildren, Meredith (Steve) Zachritz, Jeff (Katherine) Taylor, Chris (Seton) McIlroy, Melissa (Kevin) Crosby, Melanie (Bryan) Harris, and Jill E. McIlroy. He also had five great-grandchildren, Madeline, Hannah, Curan, Seamus and Piper.

The family would like to thank Dr. Chris Cobb for his professional and gentle care; and Jeff's morning coffee buddies for lifting his spirit and encouraging him to remain active.

A memorial service, officiated by Pastor Robert Marble, will be held at Mabelvale United Methodist Church in Mabelvale, AR on January 24, 2015 at 1:00 pm. Visitation to follow in the Family Life Center.

Memorials may be sent to Mabelvale United Methodist Church c/o Outreach Ministry, 10500 Woodman Street, Mabelvale, AR 72103.

Arrangements provided by Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock, Arkansas 72209 (501) 455-5800.


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12 Condolence(s)
Pam Fish
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, March 30, 2015

I was looking for a friend's obituary and came across Jeff's. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was a good man and loved by many. You are all in our prayers. Love to you all, Pam and Ray Fish

Dorothy Bartletth
,
Liked
Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Jeff and Nancy were our best friends they were good Christian people

Michael Bartlett
Pickens, SC
Liked
Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Jeff was a very dear friend of my Dad's (David Bartlett). Jeff had a special way of making everyone feel important, he was always in a happy cheerful mood. The family is in my prayers.

Judy Smith Sellrrs
little rock, AR
Liked
Saturday, January 31, 2015

Mr. Mac was one of my favorite customers for years. I csn still remember asking him " How are uou today?" And his answer was always "Worse, Thank you!" followed by his cackling laugh. He was a ioy to know and I missed seeing him when I transferred. I am a member of American Legion Aux thst is sponsoring the B17 Memorial Park at Sheridan. I would like to purchase a memorial brick for him if that would be ok with your family.

James Harper
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, January 23, 2015

Mr. McIlroy was an amazing man. As the youngest member of our hunting club I was in awe of the stories that he told of his life, and the humility with which he told them. There are too few people of his character in this world, and I am blessed to have known him. Godspeed Mr. McIlroy..

Della Romine
Hensley, AR
Liked
Friday, January 23, 2015

Sorry to hear of Mr. McIlroy's passing. He was a good boss to work for. He was always a happy person and loved his wife and children. He enjoyed telling us funny stories. He was listening to the radio when JFK was murdered in Dallas. We listened on the radio as they were telling about it. Your loss is great. My prayers are with each of you. He loved all of you very much.
Della Romine

Linda J. Smith
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, January 23, 2015

Dick, I may not get to come to service after all, but just know my heart and prayers will be with you, Nim, and all your family.
May God bless each of you with comfort and peace that only HE can give.
Love to all, Linda J. Smith

larry duffield
amelia island, FL
Liked
Friday, January 23, 2015

I wish a loving farewell to a fine gentleman, whose wisdom and strength were in perfect balance with his love and understanding. Every life you touched was enriched with your spirit. God bless you Mr. Mac and thank you for being apart of my life. You have,and will continue living in my mind and heart forever.

buddy adcock
little rock, AR
Liked
Friday, January 23, 2015

i have so many great memories of Mac and all of our family trips to Florida.....
He was a special guy that everyone respected..I can still hear his laugh...
he will be missed dearly.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Buddy

Larry and Sharon Kingrey
mabelvale, AR
Liked
Friday, January 23, 2015

We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad.
Our prayers go out for you and your family.

If you need anything at all please call us
557-5330 (new Number)

We love you and think of you often.

Kathy Kumpe
Benton, AR
Liked
Thursday, January 22, 2015

Blair you and your family are in my thought and prayers. Love u girlfriend!

The McIlroy/Simonson/Lopez family
Phoenix, AZ
Liked
Thursday, January 22, 2015

My fondest memories are just being with you. At the Lake (you and Bob snoring), walking through your yard as you pointed out things to us and the beautiful pond that you have. You have so many people who loved you and are glad you shared your life with them (and us) Give Nan a hug for us and we will miss you. Love from Pat/Rob & family/Michele & family and Brandon & family.