Edward Lee McBride was born in Caney, OK, to Jodie Ray and Artie Timothy McBride. As a young boy, Ed accepted Jesus Christ and faithfully followed his Lord and Savior until he died in Lubbock, TX. Throughout his life, Ed honored God and loved his family. He lived according to God’s Word and prayed that every family member become saved and reside forever in the loving arms of Jesus Christ.
Ed McBride attended several public schools in Oklahoma and Arkansas, as his father was a church pastor. In 1947, he graduated from high school in Checotah, OK, and enrolled at Southwestern Bible College in Oklahoma City. Before graduating in 1951, he married his college sweetheart, Joy Lee Pryor, from Drummond, OK. Life was financially challenging for the newly married couple. They walked miles to their part-time jobs to save every cent of bus fare to pay the rent on a tiny upstairs apartment and eventually buy a used car. Upon graduating from college, Ed found employment with T. G. & Y Stores Co., initially as an assistant manager and quickly advancing to store manager. The couple had three children: Mark, Sharla, and Scot. After successfully managing a retail store, the company promoted Ed to a merchandise buyer position at the Oklahoma City headquarters and later to warehouse manager positions in Lubbock and Houston, Texas. His quiet leadership impressed his colleagues, who often remarked that Ed does not say much, but when he does, one should listen. When T. G. & Y began its corporate closure, Ed and Joy returned to Oklahoma City. He retired after accumulating thirty-five years of service. Ed later worked seven years as a merchandise buyer for Jack’s Service Co. After retiring again, Ed and Joy moved to Edmond and Tulsa. During this time, they volunteered to help build churches as needed. Ed and Joy returned to Lubbock, TX, at their daughter’s suggestion, to spend their senior years. They faithfully supported their local churches wherever they lived and became members of Southcrest Baptist Church in Lubbock. Ed loved to plant bushes and flowers and work in his gardens until age and infirmities limited his ability. Until then, he looked forward to the restoration and renewal of each spring (Isaiah 61:11), managing God’s bounty as best he could in the dry West Texas climate. It was not difficult to find Ed and Joy’s house; one needed only to look for the beautiful rose bushes.
Ed McBride is survived by his wife, Joy, who partnered with him in Christian love during seventy-seven years of marriage. Ed also leaves his son, Mark (wife, Barbara), and grandsons Matthew and Andrew of Frisco and Plano, respectively; daughter, Sharla Braunhardt (husband, Ronald (RB), and granddaughters Stephanie Brady of Lubbock and Robyn Westfall of Phoenix, AZ; his son, Scot McBride of Lubbock, and his children, Clint McBride of Austin, TX, and Mackenzie Glasford (husband, Ryan) of Madison, WI. Throughout his long life, Ed treasured his close relationship with his younger brother, Hershel McBride of Muskogee, OK. Ed was likewise fond of his nephew, Al Smithee of Oklahoma City, along with many family members. Ed is predeceased by his parents and older sister, Dorothy Mae Smithee.
The family especially thanks the heroic caregiving efforts of daughter Sharla, who has served as Ed and Joy’s primary caregiver for several years. Sharla bought groceries, performed numerous household chores, completed bank and postal errands, and drove her parents to countless medical appointments and urgent care centers after Ed and Joy could no longer safely drive a car. Sharla, you have shown exemplary respect and care for our parents. As found in Exodus 20:12, you have obeyed God’s commandment to honor your father and mother.
Thank you, Mom, for stepping up to become a caregiver to Dad during the last year despite your physical pain and mobility problems.
Lastly, thank you, Scot and Stephanie, for being alongside Dad’s hospital bed that Saturday morning when he took his final breath and entered through Heaven’s gate to see Jesus and rejoin his many family members waiting for him.
In place of flowers, the family respectfully requests that you honor Ed McBride’s memory and consider a monetary donation to Samaritan’s Purse. https://www.samaritanspurse.org/.
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