William Kehoe Jr.

Surrounded by his beloved family, Bill Kehoe passed away at St. Dominic’s hospital on Wednesday afternoon, December 19, 2012. This wonderful man was taken too soon and the world will miss him greatly. There is comfort in knowing he is with his parents, twin brother, and younger brother and is looking down on us from Heaven.

William Dunstone Kehoe, Jr., “Bill”, was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1948, in Corpus Christi, Texas. The family eventually settled in New Orleans. Bill graduated from Archbishop Rummel High School in 1967. He then went on to graduate from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1971 with a B.A. in Communications. At USM, Bill met Jimmy Buffett and became his first drummer and played on the Gulf Coast and New Orleans. His love of music and performing has lasted until this day.

Bill married Julia McMullan on July 22, 1972. They recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. They are the parents to 5 children: Erin Rose (Jon) Boland, Mary Clare (Stephen) Tanner, Kathleen (fiancée to Jason Mooney), Will, and Andrew. They have 5 grandchildren, Hodges, Hayes, Lucy Rose, Anna Garvey, and Wells. Julia Kate, their 6th grandchild, will arrive next spring. He is also survived by his brother, George Kehoe (Deborah) of Oxford, Mississippi.

Bill worked in the advertising industry and was a lobbyist serving Mississippi Hospital and Healthcare Associations for many years. He served as Deputy Director for the Department of Human Services under Governor Ray Mabus. He has worked in the book industry, had a radio show, and has been involved in private fund raising ventures for causes in Mississippi. He was recently most involved helping those with mental illness and was previously Executive Director of NAMI. Bill was a proud member of the Mississippi Democratic Party. He was an active member of St. Richard Catholic Church and played the drums in the 5:00 Mass every Sunday.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, William Dunstone Kehoe, Sr. and Marietta Garvey Kehoe, his identical twin brother, Andrew Michael, and younger brother, Matthew.

Visitation is at noon and funeral Mass is at 1:00 at St. Richard Catholic Church.

Donations can be made to St. Richard Special Kids and Academic Appeal/Tuition.