William McGowen Priestley

William McGowen "Mac" Priestley died peacefully at his home on June 22, 2022, at age 81.
Mac was raised in Rosedale, Mississippi. He graduated from The University of the South in 1962 and went on to earn a PhD at Princeton. He returned to Sewanee in 1967 to teach mathematics for 44 years. An avid reader, writer, and conversationalist who found wisdom and beauty in words and numbers, Mac believed in the intrinsic good of an educated and curious life.
He was a dedicated and principled teacher, intent on sharing the joy of mathematics with all of his students, many of whom later became mathematicians. Mac was determined to make calculus accessible, relatable, and intriguing, likening mathematical analysis to poetry, music, and other expressions of the human spirit. He published a textbook, Calculus: An Historical Approach, and second edition, Calculus: A Liberal Art, to present mathematics as a bridge between the sciences and humanities. In 2006 he received the Distinguished Teaching Award from the Southeastern Section of the Mathematics Association of America.
Mac loved to sing, and he had an impeccable and wry sense of humor. He modeled patience and integrity, with a generosity and warmth that touched all who were lucky enough to sit with him for a while.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William Montgomery and Ora Lenoir McGowen Priestley and cousins Betty, Pudney, and Edwynne.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary Patten Priestley. His children include Bill Priestley (Dawn), Thomas Priestley (Andrea), and Patten Priestley Mahler (Joe). He was "Grandmac" to grandchildren Will, Julianna, Lily, and Lyell.
The funeral will be held at 10:00 AM CDT on July 1 at All Saints' Chapel in Sewanee, Tennessee.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The University of the South or the charity of your choice.
Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.