Jeff Blair McIlroy

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, ARrk. 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, Ark. on January 24, 2015 at 1 p.m. 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, Ark. 72103. Arrangements provided by Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock, Arkansas 72209 (501) 455-5800. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/drummond.