Carolyn McGaughey Obituary

Today (November 6, 2023) I was thinking about Carolyn and found her obituary when I did an online search. I first met Carolyn in 1992 through Robert Rust Sr. and another retired Eastern Airlines captain whose name escapes me at the moment. At the time Mr. Rust held the US type certificate for the DeHavilland of Canada Chipmunk aerobatic trainer. Carolyn owned one that was undergoing a restoration. Carolyn learned I had my pilots license, and she invited me several times to fly with her in her Stearman biplane. She even let me fly the airplane (it flew like a truck with no power steering, and visibility was blocked by those flat wings. Still, I'll never forget the experience of flying in an open-cockpit, feeling the cold air on my face, and hearing the "wind in the wires" (the whistling of the wing bracing wires as the airplane moved through the air). I also greatly appreciate her invitations to dinner at her house with her husband, meeting Rowdy, their Jack Russel terrier, and allowing me to adopt two cats from their farm. Carolyn was a gracious woman, and I will miss her.

I met Carolyn back many years ago in Griffin. We met because of horses, of course. I ended up feeding horses on her farm, pushing my three year old daughter in the wheelbarrow. That soon morphed into helping with the breeding and sometimes spending nights with Carolyn in the barn ,waiting for foals to be born.

Before long, she also had me and my big buckskin horse going over the jumps in the field and joining the Tri-County foxhunting club where she was the "huntsman". Because of her, I became a "whipper-in", helping hunt the hounds and fulfilling a lifelong dream . This period in my life was amazing because of my friendship with Carolyn and our shared love of horses. She was a great rider and her knowledge of horses was outstanding. I learned so much from her.

I had lost touch the last few years but suddenly felt a need to find her again last December. I finally found her living at her new farm in S.C. We talked for a couple hours on the phone, then sending lots of emails with pictures of our horses.I still have a 33year old mare sired by one of her stallions.

I didn't hear from her anymore , but, I had been thinking of her again recently . So, just today, when I was looking for pictures of her horses to show my other horse friend, I ended up finding the heartbreaking news about her online and about the gathering in Griffin today! It broke my heart !!

Lisa and Barry, you may not remember me, but my heart goes out to you. I have wonderful memories of your mom as well as of both of you! We had some wonderful ,wild and crazy times that I'll never forget! I wish I could have been there today.

Vicki Mashburn Kent
Box 5224
Helena, Mt

My Mom and Carolyn were best friends when they were young and she speaks so highly of her. I pray for solace and comfort for the Nichols and McGaughey families.

I knew Carolyn is Savannah as Red Nichols owned the Putt Putt on Victory Drive. She married my Brother in law Eugene. Prayers for Family and friends! Barbara Ferrell Cobaugh

Carolyn and I were the best ever of friends when we young. Riding horses together, giggling, being teens. I remember how proud she was of Bay Lady and her baby, Prissy Lady. Oh, that girl could ride. Like the wind. I suppose that's why she loved to fly.
we haven't seen each other in many long years, but we kept in touch over the phone. Years melted away and we were 15 again.
Jimmy and family, know that I loved Carolyn and you, as well.
Fly Carolyn! Fly high and know that I'll see you again. We'll find Heaven's horses and we will ride.

Carolyn and I only knew each other for a short time. Our one connection was horses. Anyone having horses know we all have a love. She was a great friend, horsewoman and mentor. We will miss her in the horse world. Rest with those in greener pastures, friend.

Carolyn was a former neighbor, friend and fellow Stearman pilot. Her friendliness, generosity and uplifting personality will be missed by all who were privileged to know her.

Carolyn &I became very close friend's thru Face Book more then 5 years ago.. We have a Great passion for Horse's & shared a great many of the same views about the Equine Industry.
I greatly Admired Carolyn for Her knowledge of Horse's. We talked daily about Everything. She kept Me inspired to not giving up on life through My darkest day's. Oh My, I have a huge crack in My heart that now cannot be fixed...I love You My dear Sweet Bestie Friend..I'll miss You deeply until We are rejoined on the Beautiful lush green grasses of Heaven's pastures where Our beloved Horse's run free & Beautiful...A candle in memory of You will forever shine a light for You