Billy "Pete" Burton McGarity of Sheridan, Arkansas was born January 2, 1932 in Sheridan, Arkansas, the son of the late Lawrence Wylie and Blanche Wilson McGarity. He was a member of Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church at Grapevine and had served in the United State Army having fought in the Korean War. He was the founder of the Blue Mountain Bluegrass Festival that was held in Sheridan for 12 years. He enjoyed playing bluegrass music with his family and was a hard worker who fished in his spare time.

Pete died Thursday, November 19, 2015 at Baptist Health Medical Center in Malvern at the age of 83.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Carl McGarity and his sisters, Hazel Hamilton and Betty Bridges.

Survivors: wife, Dolores McCoy McGarity of Sheridan; sons, Phil McGarity and wife Susan of Sheridan, Billy McGarity and wife Gaye Lynn of Union , Tennessee, Britt McGarity and wife Mandy of Sheridan; daughter, Sandy Henry and husband Mike of Sheridan; grandchildren, Megan (Robby) Brady, Casey McGarity, Kristen (Drew) Evans, Audrey McGarity, Caitlin Henry, Breannon McGarity, Josie McGarity, Carly McGarity, and Zane McGarity; 3 step-grandchildren, Logan, Tyler and Lacey Riley; great grandchildren, Baker and Carson Brady and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral service will be 2:00 P.M. Sunday, November 22, 2015 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Walt Hollis and his son Bro. Billy McGarity officiating. Burial will follow New Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 4:00-6:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Pallbearers are Pete Brown, Steve Hollis, Logan Riley, Billy Joe Cotton, Sr., Brad Raley and Jason Finley.