William George McDermott Jr.

May 16, 1943-April 20, 2022

Bill McDermott passed away on Wednesday, April 20th in Jacksonville Beach, FL. He was 78. He would say he just got better and better with age. He was a man, a myth, and an outright legend in Maryland, South Carolina and Florida.

He was born in Washington, D.C. to William Sr. & Margaret J. McDermott on May 16, 1943 and was raised in Hyattsville, MD, just off Queens Chapel Rd. He attended St. Jerome’s and then DeMatha Catholic High School (Go Stags!) where he played basketball for the late, but truly great, Coach Morgan Wootten (RIP). Bill was a junior during the magical season of 1960-61, when DeMatha won the National Championship by shut out at The Knights of Columbus Tournament. He continued his education on athletic scholarships, playing basketball at Mt. St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, MD., Pineland College-Edwards Military Institute, Pineland, NC, and High Point College, High Point, NC. Bill was drafted into the Army and served Our Country in Vietnam where he was awarded a Bronze Star and an honorable discharge. He completed his degree on the G.I. Bill at High Point College in 1971.

Bill found a niche in the U.S. Government early in his career and worked in Washington D.C. & the surrounding suburbs from the ‘70’s until he retired from government service in 2004. Simultaneously, he co-founded The Maryland Flames Basketball League in the early 90’s and grew it to what it is today. This was his passion project.

Bill was magnetic and people were always drawn to him. He made friends everywhere and easily throughout his life, treasured, and kept them. He married three times, twice for close to 20 years a piece, and if he’d had his way, Bill would be here right now, looking forward to his 5th anniversary with his college sweetheart, who finally said yes. Bill had 5 children with his first wife, Eileen, and considered his second and third wives’ children and grandchildren family for much of his full life as well. He loved everybody.

When Bill retired to Myrtle Beach, SC and later to Jacksonville Beach, FL he was exactly where he wanted to be. He cherished his family and friends, thoroughly enjoyed the beach life, and he loved basketball. The Big Guy never quit.

Bill was predeceased by his mother, Margaret J. McDermott & father, William G. McDermott, Sr., many beloved aunts, uncles, sadly some cousins & dear friends, among them, his touchstone, Morgan Wootten. He is survived by his 1st wife Eileen McDermott(m. 6/13/1970-1991) of Gaithersburg, MD and children spouses and grandkids: MaryKelly & Brian Nader, Frederick, MD, & son, Skyland Nader, Gettysburg, PA, Brian & Lauren McDermott & children Gabby Rooney & Remy, Salisbury, MD, Maggie & Brian Dyer & children Sean & Emery, Damascus, MD, Maureen & Joshua Crane & children, Tobias & Milo, Woodstock, GA & Katie & Mike Devlin & children, New Jersey.

He is also survived by his 2nd wife Dolly McDermott (m. 8/13/1991-2012) of Myrtle Beach SC, children, spouses and grandkids: Jennifer & Anthony Morris & children Kellan, Rosie & Finn, Ashland, VA & Rob & Kimberly George & daughter Sammie, Towson, MD. He is also survived by his 3rd wife, Sharon McDermott (m. 5/31/2017-present) of Jacksonville Beach, FL, children, spouses and grandkids: Andy & Melissa White & children Alexander & Addison, Fleming Island, FL, Daniel & Marycarmen White & children Andres and Martin, Gainesville, FL & Kristina & Ben Porter & children Teagan & Jack, Jacksonville Beach, FL.

So many people knew and loved this incredible man that several ceremonies will be held in his honor as we say our farewell for now. Bill’s wish was to be cremated and for his ashes to be spread off the Southeastern Atlantic coast in Florida, so he will always be near the beach. This will happen sometime in the near future.

To start the Big Guy off in an Irish way, a memorial service will be held Saturday, April 30th, at 12pm at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church, 201 S. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg, MD.

Following the service, there will be a celebration for Bill at Finnegan’s Wake located at 100 Gibbs Street Rockville Town Square Rockville, MD.

Thereafter or in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), or your local Boys & Girls Club.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddensbeacheschapel.com for the MCDERMOTT family.

Arrangement are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME In Jacksonville Beach FL.