Search by Name

Search by Name

William McShea Obituary

William Russell "Bill" McShea passed away on May 19, 2025, at Vinson Hall in McLean, Virginia, at the age of 97. He was survived by his close friends and relatives. Born in Washington, DC, on June 15, 1927, to Russell D. McShea and Myrtle G. Arnold, Bill was a graduate of Washington-Lee High School, Class of 1945. He worked as a cargo handler with Eastern Airlines. A committed member of the Masonic community, Bill was a Past Master of Cherrydale-Columbia Lodge No. 42, A.F. & A.M., Arlington, Virginia and a member of Kena Shriners, Manassas, Virginia. He was a Past Patron of Unity Chapter No. 201, Order of the Eastern Star, Falls Church, and was a Past Associate Bethel Guardian and Member of Honor of Bethel No. 1, Job's Daughters International, Arlington. In 1952, Bill was a Founding Member of First Christian Church, Falls Church, and he was known to be a gentle and charitable man. A memorial service including a Masonic ceremony will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 11 a.m., First Christian Church, Falls Church, Virginia with a reception to follow. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. Interment at 1:30 p.m. at Columbia Gardens Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

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

Published by The Washington Post from Jun. 1 to Jun. 8, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for William McShea

Not sure what to say?





Make a Donation
in William McShea's name

Memorial Events
for William McShea

Jun

9

Visitation

10:30 a.m.

First Christian Church

Falls Church, VA

Jun

9

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

First Christian Church

Falls Church, VA

Jun

9

Interment

1:30 p.m.

Columbia Gardens Cemetery

Arlington, VA

How to support William's loved ones
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
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
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
Ways to honor William McShea'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