Bill McAteer

William Jackson McAteer was born in Gordo, Alabama on January 10, 1935 to the parents of Clarence McAteer and Anna Lou McAteer. He was one of three children, Dudley was two years older and Fred was five years younger. They grew up in very modest means and spent a great deal of time on a small farm. Bill would spend all day there in the hot sun farming. At a very early age, Bill had to deal with his father being sent to war in WWII as a medic in France and missed him dearly according to his mother. His father later returned from the war but had a lot of emotional wounds from his experience. Growing up, Bill and Dudley became very close brothers. They would hunt together quite frequently. At 18, Dudley passed from Lou Gehrig's disease, which devastated Bill. He was never the same until he met his wife, Rebecca, a few years after. He worked hard on his studies in high school, even walking around the yard while studying in preparation for his tests. He attended the University of Alabama, majoring in Civil Engineering and being involved with the ROTC. On occasional Saturdays, he would go watch the football game where not many people would be attending at the time. He would travel back to Gordo on the weekends, and hitchhike back in time for classes. After doing well and graduating college, he was sent to an out-of-state Army bootcamp. Reading the Pickens County Herald, he noticed a picture of a young lady from back home. From exchanging letters, to dating and later marriage, Rebecca Findley of Reform, AL became his wife. After graduation and marriage, Bill found a job with the Highway Department in Montgomery, AL. All the while, he served in the Army Reserve making the rank of Major. With two boys (Phil and Pat), the family became active at Capitol Heights Baptist church leaving little time for Army Reserve. Bill served as a deacon and High School Boys Sunday School Class teacher, while Rebecca played piano. One of his pupils was Mike Northcut (who became pastor of Eastmont Bpt. Church).

Tragedy impacted the McAteer family when Phil died in a car accident in 1980. Bill never fully recovered from the loss of his son. In the face of retirement and cancer, he finished the final chapter of his life remembering the design work and bridges he had been a part of. He loved to share his knowledge with his employees. Today when riding on the Interstate Highways of Alabama, the bridges are a part of his legacy. He was very proud of the work he did but especially proud of the people he got to work with and know through the years. He will be missed by all who knew him.

A family and friends visitation for Mr. McAteer will be held Sunday, July 28, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Leak Memory Chapel, 945 Lincoln Rd, Montgomery, Alabama 36109, followed by a celebration of life chapel service at 2:00 PM. Services will conclude with a burial in Greenwood Serenity Memorial Gardens. Dr. Dale Huff officiating.