Search by Name

Search by Name

William McKee Obituary

McKEE, Dr. William F. "Bill" 79, of St. Petersburg, died on July 7, 2008. He was born in New Philadelphia, OH and grew up in Latrobe and Bradford, PA. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the College of Wooster in Ohio and earned his MA and PhD at the University of Wisconsin. He met his wife of 50 years, Joan Hollister, at Union Theological Seminary in New York City in 1957, got engaged in 19 days and they were married 5 months later. His life was dedicated to higher education and he taught American History at Princeton University, the University of Maryland, Sacramento State College, Muskingum College and retired as Professor Emeritus from Eckerd College after teaching for 26 years. He loved working with his students, reading and intellectual discussions. He was a member of Lakeview Presbyterian Church where he served as Elder for many years. He was an active member of ASPEC at Eckerd College. He is survived by his wife, Joan; daughters, Betsy Williams (Bob) of Ann Arbor, MI, Peggy Barnhill (Mike) of Juneau, AK; sons, Bob (Amy) of Tallahassee, FL, and John of St. Petersburg; sister, Patty McNelly (Paul) of Lawrenceville, NJ; grandchildren, Emily, Joeli, Jamie, Laura, Johnny and Jake. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Paul & Anne, grandson, Christopher, his sister, Margaret and his brother Duncan. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711 or to the Society for Values in Higher Education (SVHE), P.O. Box 715 svhe, Portland, OR 97207. Visitation will be held at Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home, 2201 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N, St. Petersburg on Friday, July 11 from 6-8. A private burial will be held for the family. A celebration of his life will be held at Lakeview Presbyterian Church, 1310 22nd Ave. S, St. Petersburg, FL, on Saturday at 3 pm.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tampa Bay Times on Jul. 10, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for William McKee

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

Katrina VanTassel-Skinner

July 12, 2008

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. Dr. McKee was my reluctant mentor my freshman year ('76). I always played the devil's advocate and he would just lean back, give me a his little half smile and let me run with it. It was only years later as a faculty wife that I got to interact with him again. Then as two people, not teacher/student, did i truly realize his great gift of teaching and how he had "let" me play my part way back then. And now when I replay those times when he would just lean back and give me that half smile of his, I can also see a twinkle in his eye as he used my "spit and fire", "miss-know-it-all" attitude to benefit his class. I will always be grateful that I had the chance to get to know him.

Sandi Lilly

July 11, 2008

My deepest condolences to Dr. McKee's family. He was not only my professor, he was my assigned mentor and what he gave his students can never be taken away or given my anyone else. My the love of God give you comfort, may the strength of God give you peace.
Sandi Lilly (1978)

Mike Fasso

July 11, 2008

My sympathies to Dr. McKee's family. He was a favorite professor of mine in the early 1980s. His classes were challenging and fascinating, and he always gave excellent lectures.

Stephen Ferra

July 10, 2008

I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was one of my favorite professors while I attended Eckerd in the early 80s. He was a kind, decent man whose enthusiasm for teaching was an inspiration. He will be missed, but never forgotten.

Sarah (Peaden) Thogode

July 10, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss. Professor McKee was a valued part of the Eckerd community. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in William McKee's name

Memorial Events
for William McKee

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

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
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Resources 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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
Ways to honor William McKee's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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