Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William McFatter Obituary
Dr. William Thomas "Bill" McFatter, Jr., age 88, passed away July 2 at the childhood home of his wife of 52 years, Edna Jean Brock McFatter (1927-2005). He was a native of Washington County (Vernon), Florida and the son of the late William T. McFatter, Sr. and Lillian Minchin McFatter. He attended Vernon Public Schools and graduated from Marion Military Institute in 1944. Bill entered the Army in 1944, was assigned to the 56th Armored Infantry Battalion, 12th Armored Division, Rhineland, Central Europe, and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries received April 1, 1945. He enrolled at the University of Florida in 1947 where he received a Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate Degree in Education. Bill taught two years in Apalachicola, Florida, before being elected Superintendent of Schools in Washington County, FL at the age of 26 and serving eight years. He accepted a position as Assistant Superintendent in Broward County, FL in 1961 and was appointed Superintendent of Schools in 1979, a position held until 1984. The McFatter Technical Center (now Technical College) and the McFatter Technical High School were subsequently named in his honor. After serving as Associate Superintendent of Schools in Fulton County (Atlanta), GA (1986-1996) and Interim Superintendent (1996), he and Jean retired to Stuart, Florida. He is survived by two sons, William Thomas McFatter, III, DDS and Clarence Gregory McFatter, grandchildren William Brent, Darren Gregory, Katie Ann and William Brock, and, sister Carol McFatter Hudson. A memorial service and reception will begin at 11 AM on July 19, 2014 at Shiloh Baptist Church, Chipley, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the McFatter Scholarship Foundation, McFatter Technical College and High School, 6500 Nova Drive, Davie, Florida 33317.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William McFatter
Adriane Da Silva
July 14, 2019
I miss you Poppi! Hope you are having fun with God! Love you always ❤
William Mcfatter
November 5, 2014
I don't know if William was anyway related to me as me name is William Mcfatter and it's very unusual name I was wandering if he or any of his parents came from Scotland were my dad was from anyway by the sounds of all the massages he was a kind and lovely gentleman
Brent McFatter
July 24, 2014
Thank you all for the well wishes. They are deeply felt and vastly appreciated.
Dorothy Rackley
July 18, 2014
Dr. McFatter I am so sorry for the lost of your father. Look to the Hills from whence your help and strength Cometh from. The Lord Will see you and your family through this sad time. I would have been to the funeral but I am out of town. Love Dot Rackley and family.
Jane Wynn
July 16, 2014
I continue to remember with gratitude the years I spent working for, and with, Dr. McFatter. He was always a kind and supportive gentleman totally dedicated to his mission of providing quality education to students. I am sure that his contributions have had a lasting effect on those education systems that were fortunate to his leadership.
Zenda Bowie
July 15, 2014
As a school board member in Fulton County it was my privilege to have worked with Dr. McFatter. A kind gentlemen, a scholar and one who loved children, Bill McFatter gave his heart and soul to public education. Our school district was better for having had him at the helm. Thanks to the McFatter family for sharing him with so many people. May God's unchanging hand bring you peace.
Carolyn Mattingly (Hecht)
July 14, 2014
I worked with and for Dr. McFatter for many years in Fulton County Schools as Assistant to the Superintendent under Superintendent Dr. Jim Fox and under Dr. McFatter as interim Superintendent. Words cannot express our love and respect for this most honorable and wise leader who so loved All the children in our schools. What a special Blessing and honor to have known him on a daily work basis and to have learned so much under his wise guidance. He problem solved daily on behalf of the children and schools' staff! He was so much wiser than the State Department about Quality Based Education formulas that balanced the budgets for school systems! Blessings to the family and friends of Dr. McFatter during this time of terrible loss and grief. He lives on in our hearts and we shall meet him again in our REAL home. Kindest regards, Carolyn Hecht Mattingly
Jerry Graziose
July 14, 2014
I started doing school inspections in 1974 and was asked to be on the School District Safety Committee in 1979 when Mr. McFatter took over as Superintendent. I remember him being very concerned about the safety of Children. We had our meetings at the old School Board Sailboat Bend Complex.
Fran Hallman Gordon
July 14, 2014
Bill represented many great achievements but most of all he was a dear friend to my parents. The four of them had many good times in the North Carolina mountains. Our thoughts are with both Bill and Greg.
Terry Hummel
July 13, 2014
Ma'am and Sir. That's the thing I most remember about the McFatter family, our next door neighbors for over 20 years on Cordova Road in Ft. Lauderdale, starting in 1963. That's how sons Mac (Bill) and Greg answered every adult who called their names from the time they were little boys. Because, Jean and Bill instilled in them an ethos of respect and values that no doubt have served them well throughout their lives. What an incredible legacy the McFatters have left behind in their sons and grandchildren, a legacy about which they had reason to be very proud. The McFatter family had a profound influence on our lives, and we are forever grateful for the lifelong friendship of their sons. With heartfelt sympathy, peace and love, always.
Rest In Peace
Barbara Kuzmick Green
July 12, 2014
Carol Young
July 12, 2014
My heart felt condolences to the McFatter family. I served as Dr. McFatter's assistant during his tenure as associate superintendent of schools for Fulton County. It was an honor to work with him. He was a man of integrity, fairness and had a strong commitment to the education of children. His contribution to the school system was invaluable.
Carol Young
Fulton County School System
Candy (Howze) Ball
July 11, 2014
My childhood is filled with memories of the McFatter family. Uncle Bill and my dad grew up in Vernon together. He was a kind, funny and thoughtful man. I know he, Aunt Jean, mom and dad are partying together again.
Marianne Maffia
July 11, 2014
Sincere condolences to the McFatter family. Dr. McFatter was a true supporter of public education. Even when negotiating with Broward's teachers. Many will be surprised to hear he had a great sense of humor. Rest in Peace.
July 11, 2014
Our most sincere condolences to the McFatter Family. We pray that you will find peace in the wonderful memories you cherish. Bill McFatter was a lifelong friend of my parents and he and Jean were an inspiration to me. I am grateful he was in our lives. He was a part of the rich history of the Broward County schools.
Bill and Sandi(Ashmore)Wagner
Hollywood, FL.
Steve & Shari
July 11, 2014
An American patriot!
Poppi relaxing in the farm, Vernon
William McFatter
July 10, 2014
Baypoint , PC, Thanksgiving 2013
William McFatter
July 10, 2014
Thanksgiving in Tallahassee, 2013
William McFatter
July 10, 2014
Paul Woodall
July 10, 2014
My sincere condolences to the McFatter family.
He was the best Superintendent that I served under.
Paul R. Woodall
Retired HS Principal
Broward County
Lynn Goldman
July 10, 2014
My most sincere condolences to the McFatter Family. I hope that you all find comfort in your memories. Dr. McFatter left a huge legacy in public education systems of both Florida and Georgia. He will be missed.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in William McFatter's name
Memorial Events
for William McFatter
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William McFatter's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
