William Jefferson McAnally III

Jeff McAnally, 87, beloved husband, father, grandfather, colleague and friend passed away peacefully in his home on November 1, 2025. He was born March 29, 1938, at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC, the son of Dr. William J. McAnally Jr. and Florence Allen McAnally.

Jeff’s early affinity for mechanical engineering was recognized in 1953 when he won a national science fair medal for a telescope built by hand from spare parts to take time lapse pictures of the moon. In 1959, he received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Duke University; and a Master of Science in Physics from University of Cincinnati in 1961. He retired after a 40-year career with Pratt & Whitney where he specialized in development of U.S. Air Force propulsion systems.

Jeff was a 63-year resident of the Paradise Port waterway community located near Juno Beach.

He married the love of his life, Harriette Coker, in 1964.

His enthusiasm for mechanical engineering also led to a lifelong passion for hot rodding cars, mostly GM Corvettes and Ford Mustangs.

Jeff enjoyed a 50-year passion for boating including skiing and cruising the Abacos. These experiences became a major part of the entire family’s life journey.

His good-natured approach to life will be dearly missed. In addition to his wife, Harriette, Jeff is survived by two sons, Bill and Allen (Lisa), granddaughters Audrey and Lauren, grandson Liam; as well as sisters in-law Lyn Haltrich (Norm) and Hazel Featheringham.

Celebration of Life and reception will be held at 11am on Friday, November 14th at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens, 5601 Greenwood Avenue, WPB 33407