Bill McBride

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

I am a fellow "McBride" and am in shock about Bill's death. He sounds like my father in some ways. There are a lot of similarities it's eeire. Florida and the USA are loosing a upstanding US Citizen with Bill McBride.

Alex,we are deeply sorry to hear about Bill. He was such a grand person . He will be missed by all. Our condolences to you and you family.

Our deepest sympathies to Alex, Bert and Lexi. We were shocked and saddened to hear the news and will always remember Bill with fondness and admiration. From the beginning of our lives in Tampa when you welcomed us and brought Kim there to lead the United Way, through our years at the Chamber to the pig roast as we left town. Your friendship and counsel were always appreciated and cherished. Bill was bigger than life and left bigger than life footprints and we were fortunate to know him.

Alex and family- I was devastated to just learn about Bill's death. We started in the United States Marine Corps together in November 1969 in the same platoon at OCS and then in the same Platoon at the Marine Corps Basic School where Bill won the top honor in our 250 Marine class as the honor man and winner of the Leadership award. We went to Vietnam together and served in combat and then on Okinawa and then as roommates when we got back to the States when we were stationed at Quantico. Bill was one of the finest Marines I ever served with and I say that having spent 35 years in the uniform of the Marines. General Tom Draude said it earlier that Bill embodied all the of the highest characteristics of service to our country in wartime. I look forward to sending you and the family some additional insights into his service before you all came to know him. I know he considered his family his highest calling and was so proud of all of you and i feel truly blessed to have talked to Bill on the phone several weeks ago and caught up on all the going ons. Semper Fi, Bill Arnold L. Punaro, Major General, United States Marine Corps, ret.

Hey Alex, Bert, Lexi and Douglas - We met Mr McBride and Governor to be Alex Sink when she was campaigning for Governor in 2010 at the Marriot with John Morgan in Heathrow. You all sat at the front table with me and granddaughter. McBride was a true Soldier and very friendly gentleman. Your Legacy will last forever. Thank you for your strong will and being a wonderful and great Family gentle man

Dear Alex,
I was shocked and so very saddened to learn of Bill's untimely passing. I join the many who recognized him as one of the most decent and caring men ever to be in our lives. I am thankful for having worked with him at Holland & Knight and having him as as friend after and am so grateful I was able to speak with both of you recently in Miami. My condolences to your children and your entire family. Susan

Dear Alex and family,

Such sad news about the passing of a wonderful man. The two of you welcomed me to Tampa and the United Way when I moved to the area in 1997. I am grateful for your friendship and will always remember your kindness.

Robin Carson, Williamsburg, Virginia

Once a Marine always a Marine...Bill was one of the finest...taps but never forgotten.
from Pat McCollough, SgtMaj, USMC, Retired

You have my deepest sympathy. May good memories provide solace for your family during this challenging time; and may God provide you with the assurance that you will see your loved one again in Paradise. John 17:3