Charles William (Bill) McQuagge, son of Dr. Albert Eugene and Eva Pearl McQuagge and grandson of W.A. and Thelma McQuagge, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 21, 2012 surrounded by his adoring family. Born in May 1940, Bill was raised in Marianna and graduated from Marianna High School in 1958, where he was active in sports and student government. Bill was fortunate to count among his closest, life-long friends many of his classmates from this formative time in his life. Bill served in the U.S. Navy as a medical corpsman stationed in Charleston, South Carolina, and was a member on the Sixth Naval District's traveling fast-pitch softball team that won the national championship. Upon completion of his service in the Navy, Bill enrolled at the University of Florida, where he majored in English and served in a leadership capacity as a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. A proud alumnus, Bill was passionate about Gator athletics and watched tirelessly with his dachshund named, of course, Gator. Over several decades, Bill had a successful banking career throughout Florida. Then, late in his working life, Bill returned to Marianna and was President of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, where he oversaw the restoration and renovation of the historic Russ House - a labor of love in which he derived great satisfaction. During his time with the Chamber, Bill was invited by the General of the 1st Air Force to visit troops from Florida that were serving oversees. The trip included stops in Bosnia, Germany, Italy, Belgium, England and Iceland. As a veteran, a member of the American Legion and a history buff, Bill would often recall the trip as particularly impactful and memorable. Bill was a devoted Christian, a Rotarian and a strong supporter of United Way, for whom he headed fundraising campaigns on several occasions and in several communities. He is survived by his college sweetheart and wife of 47 years, Carol Waterhouse; sons John and Andy; daughter-in-law Rene'; sister Eugenia McQuagge Tyus; four grandchildren, Jamie, Chase, Ryan and Morgan; and a bevy of brother and sister-in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial service will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Marianna on Saturday, July 14th at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cornerstone Hospice, 2445 Park Lane Road, Tavares, FL 32778.

Published in The Jackson County Floridan on May 20, 2012