William McPhail

William P. McPhail (Mac)
SMSgt, USAF (RET)
William P. McPhail of Dover, Delaware passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the age of 92. Bill was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 21, 1933 to the late William and Margaret McPhail.
Bill grew up in Ambler, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the Navy in 1952 and was a crew member of the USS Newport News. He spent long periods at sea exploring the world. While in the Navy, Bill met Margaret Owens, who was a hospital Corpsman at the time. They married in August 1958 and spent 62 years together. Bill left the Navy to join the Air Force in 1957. They started a family in 1960. Bill proudly served his country for 28 years. He served overseas tours in Vietnam and Thailand and a five year stint in Germany with his family. The McPhail's traveled extensively throughout Europe in their beloved VW camper van while stationed there. Bill retired from the Air Force in 1980. He worked at General Metalcraft for a number of years before returning to Dover Air Force Base as a civil servant. Bill loved the ocean and boating. He became a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary to combine his hobby with the desire to help people. In 1988 he became a grandfather for the first time. Bill cherished time spent with his family and took great pride in being a loving and devoted grandfather and great grandfather.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret McPhail, his
daughter, Patricia, his siblings Charlie, Jessie, Esther and Alec.
Bill is survived by his children. Scott of Dover, Bill and wife Patty of Camden, Maureen Daugherty and husband Kevin of Felton, Paula Petracca and husband Richard of Middle Island New York, Patrick and wife Paula of Dover.
Bill leaves behind eleven grandchildren. Heather Gedney and husband Chris, Jessica Sawyer, Brandon Daugherty, Chris Daugherty, Danny Sawyer, Nicole Sawyer, Chris McPhail and wife Loren, Justin McPhail and wife Erica, Tyler McPhail and wife Idalis, Connor McPhail and Quinn McPhail.
Bill leaves behind six great grandkids. Kenzie and Cole Gedney, Adilee McPhail,
Silas, Grady and Jameson McPhail.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, 12:00pm, October 18th 2025, at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 1145 East Lebanon Road, Dover Delaware. Friends and family may gather one hour prior. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed the Torbert website.
Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions go to Delaware Hospice
Memorial, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, Delaware 19963.