William "Bill" James Kearney, III

William James Kearney, III passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the age of 87. “Bill,” as he was affectionately known to all whom he encountered, was a lifelong resident of Uptown New Orleans. He was a graduate of both Isidore Newman School and Tulane University, where he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon. Bill was a double Greenie and endless supporter of both institutions. After college, he enjoyed a very fulfilling career at Hibernia National Bank, serving as vice president and trust officer.

Bill’s congeniality was always on display and his love of family and friends was ever abundant. Beyond his passion for others was a love of fishing, thoroughbred racehorses, Gin Rummy and Bridge, as well as college athletics. He was a proud member of the Sugar Bowl Committee, where he served with distinction and honor as president and honorary life member. Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army as a first lieutenant in the Reserves. Bill relished actively participating in several Carnival organizations, and notably, held lifetime memberships in the Stratford Club, the Boston Club, the Neptune Club and School of Design. He was particularly pleased by the high jinks he participated in with fellow Recess members.

Bill will join his parents, William James Kearney, Jr. and Marie Esther Shibley Kearney, and nephew, William Wilkins Kearney, in heaven along with Beverly Quick Kearney who was his wife and the mother of his sons. The Kearney family he leaves behind are his loving brother, Michael Wermuth Kearney and his wife and the glue of our family, Suzanne (Susu) Wilkins Kearney, and his nephews and niece, Michael Wermuth Kearney, Jr. (Ashley), David Wilkins Kearney (Caroline) and Niquette LaCour Kearney. The entire Kearney clan rarely missed celebrating the joys of life together at Thanksgiving and Christmas, where an Irish prayer is always read.

Bill had two sons who enjoyed many years of love and support together with their father. William (Bill) James Kearney, IV and his wife, Karyn, with grandsons, Pierce and Jackson, and Clay Parker Kearney and his wife, Malise, with granddaughters, Lanier and Lauren, are broken-hearted, though left with a lifetime of happy memories to share. His devotion to family and grandchildren was a cornerstone of his later life. From being ever-present watching his granddaughters play volleyball and soccer to attending soccer and football games to cheering Christ School from afar for his grandsons, “Pop Feet” lived for others.

Bill and Clay wish to thank the wonderful community of friends and staff at Lambeth House, as well as Dr. Charles Smith.

A service will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Bill’s memory at Trinity Episcopal Church, where he was a lifelong member and served on the vestry and as treasurer of the Episcopal Diocese. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the service at 11:00 a.m. for all who wish to celebrate his life. Private interment will be held for family in Metairie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to the Lambeth House Foundation or Trinity Episcopal Church/School Campaign.

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com