Bill, age 72, passed away on March 14, 2020. He was a resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado for many years and formerly lived in Anchorage, Alaska while working for Northwest Airlines. He retired from Northwest Airlines in 2003.
Bill was born on June 20, 1947 to James and Anna Mae McNamee in Cleveland, Ohio.
Bill was an avid reader, liked to walk dogs for the local animal shelter and was a faithful Cleveland Browns fan. He attended Holy Name High School graduating in 1965, went on to John Carroll University graduating with a BA. While working in Alaska, he acquired his master’s degree in World History.
He is survived by his sister, Janis (McNamee) Davis (husband Philip); nieces: Cheryl Tuskes and Nancy Kravochuck; three great-nieces and many cousins. He was preceded in death by parents: James and Anna Mae McNamee.
Mary Armstrong
8 Apr 2020So sorry for your loss. He was a nice man.
Pat Kenna
8 Apr 2020Bill’s sense of humor almost always tickled my funny bone. He was an excellent employee liked by fellow employees and our passengers as well. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Leah Heikes-Saculla
8 Apr 2020One of the funniest co-workers I had the honor to work with. Rest in peace Bill.
John Coty
8 Apr 2020So sorry to hear about Bills passing he will be missed by all who knew him RIP
Randy Satrum
8 Apr 2020Bill was a great friend and fellow Red Tail. I had the pleasure of working with Bill in Alaska in the 70’s and again in Colorado Springs in the early 2000’s later in his career with NWA. He was well liked by all and a mentor to all that would listen to his sage advice. He will be missed by all of us, rest in peace my friend.
Jim Snow
8 Apr 2020Bill, “Pops” as I called him, and “Grampa Bill” to my boys, was definitely one of a kind. His generosity was only matched by his wit. We have had many adventures from 1980 until 2019 and a lifetime full of laughter. We’ll miss you Pops! RIP
Anonymous
8 Apr 2020I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was an awesome co-worker, great worker who always pulled his load, very knowledgeable, and fun to work with. Very sad. RIP, Bill
Madelynn Meads
8 Apr 2020So sorry to learn of Bills passing!
Luella Kemmerer
8 Apr 2020Sending condolences to Mr Bill’s family and friends. So sorry to hear of his passing. Wishing him peace. Worked with him for a short time – ha. He made the time at the airport at times like standup – his impersonations would crack us up, made the work a happy place. For those who remember – you know!
Hope you and Floyd are enjoying a nice visit. Sure you have an audience of Angels. Luella
Beth Goodwin
8 Apr 2020I will miss Bill so much. I can’t believe he is gone. Over this last year he has been my go to friend for so many things. I am so sorry to his family and all our mutual friends.
Mimi Pippel
9 Apr 2020The world will be a different place without Bill. I owned a travel agency in Alaska and our first conversation was on the phone. This was back in the late 70’s, before travel agencies had computers. We’d call NW reservations and hold for an agent. I spent many hours on the phone with Bill. Attended lots of Bon Vivant parties with Bill. We would go through stages where we’d talk everyday and then a few months would go by and we’d talk again. He was one of the best friends I’ll ever have. I don’t know if I’ll ever stop missing him.
Linda Shogren
9 Apr 2020Mac was such a dear friend from the years living in Anchorage when he worked for Northwest Airlines. Kind, witty, put all women on a pedestal, loved traveling to see his Northwest family. He will be much mourned by many especially his Arctic Bon Vivant buddies of the Last Frontier.
RIP Mac, the world was a better place with you in it.
Susan Stenstrom Hanser
9 Apr 2020My heart is saddened to hear of his leaving this world. Yes I remember working with him in Anchorage RES when he first came up and his calming way he had. The orange Jeep, he was so excited to get. Rest in heaven my friend
Lisa Kellogg
9 Apr 2020I worked in Anchorage for two years with Northwest Airlines but I knew Mr. Bill from my time with NWA in Colorado Springs. He was an interesting person with a unique sense of humor. He was full of life experiences, with lots of stories to share and was fun to work with…loads of knowledge. Bill was one of a kind…so sweet, kind, and good hearted. He will be greatly missed. It was an honor to know and work with him. My deepest sympathy to his family. He was a wonderful person to know. Rest in peace my friend!
Jennifer Mahon
9 Apr 2020I am so sorry for all of you. Have known Bill for so many many years. I met your mom Anna Mae in Anchorage and still have the Christmas ornament she gave our daughter for her first Christmas. Bill lives on in so many memories. Blessings to all of you.
richard doorish
12 Apr 2020I ran the travel agency in Valdez in the early 80’s. Going to breakfast in his jeep, with Mr Mahon & Mr Snow is a memory I will never forget.
Bill was funny & wise to us younger bucks, like a wise sage.
Anonymous
12 Apr 2020Sorry to hear this sad news. Bill was so humorous, full of surprises, and experiments. Remember when he gave up the use of a car for a couple of years choosing to walk everywhere. It was comical how he explained saving the expense of gas, maintenance, insurance, etc. I would see him all over Anchorage in the winter time with a scarf wrapped around his neck.
Lance Miller
12 Apr 2020If there is any real “Ticket to Heaven” it is the ability to touch peoples’ lives in a way that they fondly remember you decades later. The comments above clearly indicate that “Wild Bill” was/is one of those people. For sure. I worked with him 35+ years ago and still miss him.
Porcher Austin and the Vigil Kids
14 Apr 2020Bill is the best man I have ever met and probably ever will! I have had the pleasure of having Bill in my life for almost 15 years! I would not be the woman I am without Bill! I remember the day I had my first born and Bill was in my hospital room…watching and eating! Never a dull moment! I send my condolences to all of Bill’s friends and family! He will always be loved and missed!
Linda Hartford
21 Apr 2020Mr Bill will be missed by all of us from COS. I was so sad to hear of his passing.
Tricia Ward
14 May 2020I just learned today of Bills passing. He was one of the most unique individuals with the biggest heart that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. The love and compassion that he showed for the shelter animals in our community was just beautiful. And there were many many laughs during our shifts together. My condolences to his family and friends.
From Mrs Griswold (the name that he had given me.)
Curt Jensen
1 Aug 2020Remember when “Mr. Bill” transferred from reservations to the airport. He was a character with his dry wit. Super leader and a great man. I don’t know anybody that didn’t love him.
Paul Wildes
21 Mar 2022My condolences. I’m sorry to hear. I’m very late with sympathies as I didn’t know what happened to Bill and just out of curiosity looked him up on Google today. I lost track of Bill since we worked together in the 70s at DTW. Bill and I went thru training as NWA tickets agents. We were both assigned to DTW in 1973 and were roommates. We developed a great fun friendship and many friendships with the crew at NWA at DTW. We hung out a lot after work and drank beer and loved the crew we were with at NWA. We had so many good times and laughs. What a great guy!