William F. McKee

McKee, Dr. William F., 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 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 Mikeof Juneau, AK, sons; Bob Amy of Tallahassee, FL and John of St. Petersburg, sister, Patty McNelly Mikeof 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 3pm.