Dear Kris, just got knowledge of Bill’ s passing. I am so sad . He was a wonderful guy. I remember when you first met him. You were smitten.  I watched you grow together , developing a wonderful lifetime bond.  You were made for each other.  You have my heartfelt condolences. As you heal, know that I will always treasure our friendship. So much fun. I wish healing and peace for you and your family. Always, Karen Ball Hill

My family was lucky to have the best brother in law in the world. There must have been a matchmaker in heaven when Kris brought William Mc Mahan III, home to meet the family and brothers. I’m sure he was surprised to learn of all of the special interests his future family had to share with him. 
Over time we learned how much he was just like us, and liked a lot of the same things of interest. Bill and my dad would have epic discussions about HO Railroading to decide on layouts and how to best power them. This would go on for years until there was rolling stock moving and the next step was to landscape things. 
This was only the beginning of a great relationship with my  brother in law. Our family grew in so many ways that it was complimentary to all of our skills. Mentor ship at so many levels,  we were all blessed to be so close. There are so many memories, I could go on for ever. 
Needless to say, we have all been shortchanged with his early departure from this world and we are saddened. I’m very happy to have been a part of his life and him in mine.

One of my fondest memories, Bill, Kris my wife Cathy and I took a railroad adventure from Denver over the continental divide and on to Glenwood Springs. The  trip was everything we had expected and more. Before it was time to bed down for the night,  Bill and I went down to the bar for a nightcap. We selected the proper bourbon for the occasion.  Bill was pleased that  he could introduce me to a fine beverage with round ice cubes. We nursed the generous  pour of the beverage while recapping all of the days events. At the conclusion of our beverage, we both agreed it was time to head up for reuniting with our gals and rest up for the next day of adventures. This was an incredible way to share time in the simplest way.
Yes, we all had the best friend we could ever want. I love Bill and will always miss my brother in law. We are all so lucky to have had a part of him. God bless you! 
 

We were fortunate to have spent many wonderful trips with Bill and Kris on the back roads and mountain passes of Colorado. As we reflect on these times we can still picture Bill with the top down on the jeep loaded up and ready to take on whatever adventure awaited us. With Bill in the lead we definitely explored area's of Colorado not all get to see. There was never a dull moment with Bill, his great story telling and zest for life and family was infectious and has left a lasting footprint in our life not to be forgotten.  Our hearts are broken for Kris and family as they struggle with this tremendous loss. I'm sure there is never enough time on this earth with a man like Bill but know the wonderful memories and experiences will live on in each of their lives as in ours.
Much love Dave and Susan

Kris and family
I would like to say that Bill will be missed by all who knew him, Bill loved cars, loved racing and his willingness to share his knowledge about building car’s is a clear sign of a truly genuine person. Bill and I got to know one another though our car’s yes Fiat Spider, I was new to racing and new to the Fiat Spider one day I saw Bill in grid at High Plans Raceway so of course I had find out who the driver was and with that information I gave Bill a call just wanting a little info, no problem Bill invited me over to his home and proceeded to overwhelm me with information on how to build a 124 Spider race car, Kris thank you for coming out to introduce yourself it gave my brain a chance to catch up…WOW. I stopped by to see Bill a few times thru the year and yes that’s about how long I’ve known Bill and we would get together at the racetrack just to chat like friends do, Bill was a friend for sure he was so easy to talk to what a cool guy, I will surely miss him.  


Bill will be deeply missed by his family and friends, and particularly by many of us who shared Bill's passion for sports car building, and racing.  He was a master craftsman,  so well respected for his knowledge, and his unequalled quality and workmanship.  
I will always remember Bill, not only for his friendship, but  for his willingness to share with all of us!  Bill pioneered the way, particularly in the Fiat Spider community, and made it possible for so many of us to follow his example.  
Bill, you will always remain in our memories!  God speed, and may God Bless all of the McMahan family.  
  

So many memories come to mind of Bill and his  wonderful dry wit. One of the first ones I remember was when he burned his taste buds and he told me he would never be able to taste anything again.  Of course I believed him until I  realized he was pulling my leg. Welcome to the world of Bill McMahan. He was such a great son-in -law (actually more like a son) and I will always remember what fun he and Bud had sharing their love of model railroading.
 He fit into our family so well with his love of cars, racing , the joy of hiking and I could go on and on.
We will never be the same without him,  but we will be better for having had him in our lives. He will be greatly missed by all of us.

I think that my memory of uncle Bill is not solidified by one defining moment. Instead, it is a collective memory of my uncle Bill being one of the funniest people that I have ever known. His dry and sarcastic wit was constant at family gatherings, and when he smiled or laughed, you couldn’t help but smile or laugh along with him. His absolute love for my aunt and his children was obvious. He was a dedicated family man who thoroughly enjoyed everything about his life. I can’t yet grasp the fact that he is gone. He will truly feel gone when we are all together again. Until then, all I can think about is his smiling face and love for his family.

Bill was so proud when his Fiat 124 won Best in Show at the Grapevine Texas car show.


There are numerous memories I have of Bill….from crossword puzzling  at family gatherings to seeing who had  a dryer sense of humor! He always beat  me at both of those, by the way! But, my favorite and very touching memory was on our  McMahan/Laube Route 66 trip in May 2018. During our epic journey, we stopped in Seligman AZ.  Bill was very excited to meet the “Gaurdian Angel” and Preservationist  of Seligman  and Rt. 66. The look on Bill’s face when he met 92 year old Angel Delgadillo was priceless! He looked so revered and humbled (Oh yes! It’s true!) when warmly took Mr. D.’s his hand in both of his own and said, “Mr. Delgadillo, It is a true pleasure and I am deeply honored to meet you!”.  I could tell this was a VERY special moment for Bill and I was really moved by it all.
I will very much miss my wonderful brother in law. Heaven is a better place (I guarantee it’s filled with loved ones, race cars, beautiful dogs and a few crossword puzzles) but our world lost great man! My heart goes out to you all, Kris! Prayers will never stop! Much love, Mari

Dear Kris and Family,

I was so shocked and sad to hear of Bill's unexpected passing.  We did not have many opportunities over the years to visit but, whenever I was around Bill, he was very approachable and easy to talk to.  He would quickly say something to put me at ease and make me smile.  

I love your entire family and hope you are able to open yourself and find some comfort in all the folks who care about you.  We are a big family and despite the miles between us, I'm sending a big hug to you and your boys.

Your cousin,
Margaret

I am sorry to hear of the passing of my good friend Bill. He was a delight to be around and he always shared a humorous story. We met just by accident by our common interests in Fiat spiders wherein he had a wealth of information and hands on knowledge about them. He never passed on a chance to help me out. I had the opportunity to watch him race while Kris and I cheered him around the track this Summer. I will truly miss Bill and the 'garage time' we spent together. You can take your life's well earned victory lap now Bill.


Bill was my uncle and my godfather. As a child I remember him as the seemingly stoic but kind bearded uncle who had no problem spending time with me. When I was 8 or 9, I remember making Bill sit down with me on our living room floor, engaging him in the board game “Risk”. Unfortunately for Bill, I had my own rules to the already complicated game , but he patiently played along with all of my hyper-specific and illogical rules. With every country on the map of the game board he had some random fact to share, and he had to explain to me multiple times that a soldier figurine had to operate a cannon, not the horse figurine. 

As an adult, I remember Bill as the witty and hilarious uncle who I could sit down with over a glass of whiskey and talk about history and cars, frequently being left in laughter with his dry sense of humor. 

The world has lost a great man, but our family was so lucky that Bill was in our lives. I have nothing but fond memories of him, and I truly wish we could make more. Love you, Bill. I hope the race track in the next life is stellar. 

Bill and I had a lot of laughs together. When he moved close by we worked on autos together as I am a furrin' car gear head like Bill.  I remember laughing so hard when we tried to get the trans lined up on Krista's Alfa spyder.  I will never forget that couple of days . I never could understand why Bill liked FIAT so much , but he did have a Healey 100-4 .  Although we haven't kept in touch much since he moved to the Ski belt,  Bill was always a great person who reminded me of Martin Mull. 

I will always remember Bill as a kind, gentle person.  I knew he was a good person because he got along well with my Dad.  I remember seeing them laugh together over their business ventures in my Dad's home office.  They were both manufacturer's representatives.   Long ago, I utilized the local bus from my parent's home to UC and back.  One day I got back to the local Beechmont mall and was at a pay phone to call my Dad for a ride the rest of the way home.  He wasn't answering the phone.  I hung up the phone and turned around.  There was Bill walking by.  I said hello.  I told him my plight.  He happily offered to help me out.  We had a nice chat in the 5 minute ride to my home.  My hope is that Bill received good energy in return for all he gave to others in his life.  Sounds like he did, after reading his story in this obituary.  May you rest in peace Bill.  Best wishes for your family too.


Krista, 
Although I never was lucky enough to meet Bill, I wanted you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
                                   Your cousin,
                                  Lisa Laube Lee
                       

Krista - its been a long time since I have seen you and Bill!  But I will always remember your wedding.  I was 12 and it was the first wedding I had ever been to.  You were beautiful and the reception was so much fun!  That day is a very happy memory and I've thought of you and Bill and that day often.  On behalf of my mom, Gloria, and myself, we just want you to know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.  

To my dearest Bill,
You are the love of my life.  During our  47 years of marriage,  we worked together, played together, explored together, grew up  together and loved together. We made so many memories to look back on and cherish.  We raised two beautiful boys, now men whose morals and ethical standards are of the highest quality and of whom we are so proud.  My world has a hole in it without you.  You were taken too soon, but God needed you.  It is a comfort to know you are with Him and not suffering.  Although we are grieving your loss, I feel your spirit will always be with us.
 I love you my darling.  You'll not be forgotten.

I remember visiting Bill and Kris and the great love between them. It was always so evident,  just bubbled  out of them. So sorry for your loss. 

OBITUARIO

William Wishart McMahan III

5 julio, 1951 – 20 octubre, 2021

Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Chapel

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