"Oh my gosh Donna. Smitty and I are so very sorry as we just heard of Bills passing. We had no idea and just want you to know we are thinking of you and the boys. We hope and pray that your family has found peace. Thinking of you."
In loving memory of
William B. Mcnally
On July 10th, Bill, at the young age of 66, accepted God's invitation to heaven after a relentless & heroic battle with cancer. He left this world in his home in the arms of his wife.
He was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 8th, 1951, to Winona and William B. McNally Jr and lived most of his early life in the Southfield area of Michigan with his three sisters. He faithfully served the Marine Corps from 1968-72 completing 2 tours in Vietnam and becoming a Primary Marksmanship Instructor at Camp Pendleton.
He received both the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart among other commendations. In 1977 he moved to Arizona, met and married his loving wife, Donna, and fathered two sons who looked up to him as a role model. Bill attained his Master's degree in Business. He left his mark and made lifelong friends throughout his work career at UPS (Michigan), City of Scottsdale, APS, GCU, and his consulting firm he successfully ran for over 20 years.
As a coach and mentor throughout the years, one of his sources of pride was serving as President of Paradise Valley North Little League. Bill often described himself as the "short guy with a mustache" but was known for his deep voice and bigger than life persona. He called himself SOB (Sweet Ole Bill), and he truly was. His commitment and love for his wife were an inspiration to many. Bill's sense of humor, care, generosity to others and devotion to his family are the traits that people will always remember about him.
Bill will be deeply missed by his devoted wife and best friend of 38 years, Donna, and his children Mac and Brent (Nillybeth). He will also be missed by his sisters: Bridget (Jeff Cope) McNally, niece: Dani, Shannon McNally, and Susan (Bob) Marshall, niece: Jamie, as well as his mother-in-law: Claire Danko, brother-in-law: Dave (Pam) Danko, nephew: Matt, niece: Katie. The family is especially grateful to his supportive and aggressive team at the Mayo Clinic. A military funeral service and a celebration of Bill's life are planned for late September. Details to follow.
Tributes
"Thank you my woodworking buddy. He was so honored to be Wil's godfather. Hope to see you on Friday. Love"
"Kyle, So happy to hear from you. Yes, you and your mom and dad were, and always will be, a wonderful part of our life. Looking forward to seeing you. Lots of love, Donna"
"Thank you Regina. It means a lot to hear from you. Yes there is such a void as you know. No way to actually express the feeling is there? Love you"
"Services for bill will be on September 29 Friday. 2:30 - 3:00 at national memorial cemetery. Celebration of life at 3:30 at elks lodge on 32 st south of greenway"
"Donna - so saddened to hear of Bill's passing. Praying for your family in this time of grief. When I think of Bill, I only have fond memories. I really appreciate the times and memories spent with Bill at APS and afterwards. He was truly a one of a kind. He had an enormous heart and an upbeat positive attitude that always lifted everyone's spirits. He was always great to be around and someone that you could count on to have your back. I always had tremendous love, admiration, and respect for Bill. He will be missed."
"To Donna, Mac, and Brent: You all were a part of my upbringing, my "second family" for a number of years, and what great years they were! I cherish the memories from those times. As Mac and I grew older, we didnt have as much contact, but when we got together, we always had a great connection like no time had really passed. i rememer all the times spending the night at your house, there were always so many fun things to do, whether it was putting on the green, swimming, playing on the jungle jim, or riding the go cart, we always had something to do, something active, something fun. i always admired how much your family put into staying active and participating in as much as possible. Bill was a big part of all of that; from fixing a bike tire to throwing us in the pool, he was there for all of it. i am so sorry for your loss, he will be missed."
"Dear Donna and boys, Mike and I were very sad to hear that Bill had passed on to eternal life. Although I am confident you will be reunited I am expressing my condolences for your pain in missing his physical presence. We enjoyed the few times we met Bill and the visit to your home in Arizona. Sending love and prayers as no words will take away the pain from this void in your life . Peace"
"Cheryl and Ray, Thank you. Never a dull moment seems to sum it up!! Planning on service at National Memorial Cemetery on Sept 29 at 2:30. Having his celebration of life at the Elks Club on 32 st at 3:30 - 7: I'll keep you posted. He and we would love for you to be there ...along with all of his friends!"
"Donna, Ray and I were so sorry to read about Bill's illness and passing. My heart goes out to you and your sons. We have many fond memories of you both and Bill's larger than life personality and always making me laugh at work. There was never a dull moment with Bill around. Please keep me posted on his celebration as I would love to attend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys."
"Thank you so much. Our family was blessed with love, laughter, and good friends."
"Donna, I was saddened to read about Bill's passing. I pray you and your family will cherish your wonderful memories and the knowledge that he loved you all so very much, and also knew how very much he was loved. Peace be with all you."
"We are so glad to have had that last time together. Bill really enjoyed himself and watching the old videos. So many good times, so many memories We are all blessed to have such wonderful friends throughout the years, and still. This house seems very quiet without his voice, but its booming inmy heart! Love you guys!"
"Dave, Some of Bill's fondest memories were of "those days" at APS. He loved what he did and I am happy you feel that way. So hoping to see everyone...plus..at his celebration Thank you"
"Marty, He was so positive he was going to beat this...and he did for a long time. He never complained and was determined to the end. That is a good lesson to learn about work. Bill definitely enjoyed a good time! Thank you for sharing. He is at peace in His arms."
"Ken, I remember very well when you were together at UoP and him telling me how glad he was running into you. He was definitely the shining light to Mac, Brent and me!! Thank you!"
"Liz...and he was always thankful for your, and your family's, friendship as well. Faith seems to be what is carrying us through this all. The boys and I have spent hours praying and reliving fun times. It seems to dull the profound ache in our hearts for a bit. Thank you!"
"Dan and Patti, We appreciate your kind acknowledgments and words. We are so very proud of the man he was and nothing would make him happier than to know he had a positive impact on someone. God Bless"
"Thank you Howard and Beth. These last few months everything moved so fast! He was a very giving man that is going to be missed by many. Thank you for the prayers."
"We loved our time getting to become one family. Your family was very special to Bill and he couldn't have been any prouder to call Nilly his daughter. She has been a wonderful comfort to us this past week.Looking forward to all of us being together. Thank you."
"Karen, what a wonderful thing to say! There were a lot of good times and great memories from those days. Thank you for your thoughts and taking the time to comment."
"Thank you so much. I cannot imagine the heartache you have all experienced! I never knew a breaking heart could hurt so much. I wish we could have made it back to Mass. one more time. Love you both!"
"Thank you Jan. You are right, it was way to early. We will all miss his ability to keep us laughing!"
"Thanks Traci. We appreciated your support"
"Donna, Mac, and Brent, Tony and I, as well as T.J., Joey, and Gina, were very saddened by the news of Bill's illness and passing. As you know, for many years, he and Tony coached Little League together, and we all enjoyed many wonderful League parties through the years hosted by your family, as well as events at Liberty Elementary that we all attended together. We, too, will miss his booming laugh and deep voice, as well as the personal times we shared as a foursome. God Bless all of you."
"Thanks Gary...It means a lot. Hope to see you at his celebration. Trying to lock down dates now Either September 22 or 29.. Bill always said he earned a 21 gun salute and we are trying to make it happen!"
"Donna and Sons, It's been many years since I have seen you all, and am sad to hear this news. I loved having Bill as a mentor and coach here at APS. His huge personality and motivational skills were beyond compare. I know he is in a better place now, and pray that you will be comforted from the loss you all have experienced. God Bless!"
"I am so very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I ran into him a few months ago as we did from time to time and he was optimistic as always and fighting the good fight. I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with and for Bill and he taught me that hard work and a little fun are not mutually exclusive. I have never forgotten that over the course of my career. My condolences to Donna, Brent, and Mac. Bill was a great guy....may he rest in peace."
"I met Bill during our time completing our Bachelor degrees at the University of Phoenix. He was really supportive of me and all our classmates. I lost track of him for many years after graduation, but we next met when Bill donated blood. I was then retired from Information Technology and was filling time as a Donor Service Associate for the Blood Services company. What a great guy and so positive whenever we spoke. He was a real shining light to all he came in contact with. I am. as you are, saddened by his passing. God Bless Bill and all of you."
"I am so sad to learn of Bill's passing. Donna and boys, may He hold you in his arms and provide you strength during this difficult time. I trust all your many wonderful memories will carry you from now through eternity. I will always be thankful for his friendship."
"Donna and family, Deepest condolences on Bill's passing. While I had not seen him in a number of years, I remember fondly many, many good times with Bill at APS, and am eternally grateful for the opportunities he provided me, and the support he always demonstrated. You can rightfully be proud of Bill as simply a terrific person, one who positively influenced many over his years. You're in our thoughts and prayers. God bless."
"Dear Donna and Family, So sorry to hear of your husbands and Dadso passing. We know full well the meaning of There's No Words you can say that can fix the hurt you are feeling. Please remember as we have been told, they are always with us, we just can't see them. You'll have signs I'm sure that he will give you to let you know he is with you always until you meet again. With Sincere Sympathy Maureen, Dickie and Family"
"Donna, Mac and Brent: Beth and I send our condolences. Our prayers are focused on your family and we know that Bill is in Heaven. Bill will always be remembered for all he gave to everyone and how much he loved his family. In our case he became a great friend that always gave me more than I ever gave him. He is missed and unfortunately he left us all sooner than he should have. Life flys by and I regret that I did not reach out to him in the last few months. Bill thanks for everything. Howard & Beth"
"Dear Donna, Brent, and Mac. Our condolence for the loss of Bill, we got to know him so little time, we wish we could knew him more, but the little time that we spend together as a Family, it was the best great time. Bill show evidence of a good Husband and Father and we are grateful that he loves our daughter Nilly. We will miss him and always be in our heart. Julian & Mirna"
"Donna, I was so sorry to read of Bill's passing. I have many fond memories of our days at APS. He was one of my favorites. Take care and may your precious memories sustain you."
"Donna, Mac and Brent, So sorry to hear of this said news about your husband and Dad. There are no words to console you at this time as we know full well the heartache of when a loved one leaves us. I'm sure you will all feel his presence at different times, he will always be close to all of you, you just won't be able to see him. Please know you are in Our thoughts. Love, and Sympathy, Maureen and Dick Lewis"
"Donna, Mac, and Brent, Bill and I were friends for over 36 years. My heart breaks more than I can even put into words. He was one of my best and was my longest buddy. We hadn't seen each other a great deal over the last few years but always knew we were there for each other, how true friends are and testimony to who Bill was. The last time I spoke to him we were planning a long lunch to catch up. Donna and Bill were about to leave town. We never had our lunch, one of those things I will always wished had happened. I will always remember him as someone I spent more time laughing with than anyone I know, how we were going to concur the world, and plan a new venture--we did a lot of planning. Bill was very bright, creative and most of all caring. I could go on, but you all know what he meant to me and what an icon in life he was to many. My family sends our prayers, our love, and wishes for peace--from my wife and myself, my daughters to my parents, all who thought very fondly of Bill as well. note: After all these years, Bill (and Donna) are the only ones my 86 year old dad and mom still ask me about."
"Bill was a wonderful man. He had a great sense of humor. He deeply loved you Donna and the boys. So sorry he passed so early in his life. Prayers no thought for all of you."
"Donna and Family, We are sending wishes and prayers of love and peace for your family. Heaven has definitely welcomed an angel and we have lost one. We love Bill and are blessed with many memories of laughter and love he shared. He made each life he touched better. Peace be with you and your family. All our love, Traci and Jordyn"