William Edward McBride

William Edward McBride “Bill” age 83, born July 23, 1933 in Defiance , Ohio to the late Robert and Marianbelle McBride passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on August 31, 2016. Bill graduated from Defiance High School in 1951. Married his high school sweetheart and FIRST WIFE of 64 years Alice Emily (Relue) in 1952 in the United Methodist Church of Defiance. Bill was a 50 year member of the Acme Masonic Lodge #554. He was a SCUBA Instructor and an instructor trainer for 30+ years and is remembered as a Diving Legend. Founder of Sub-Aquatics, Breathing Air Systems and Grand Host East, he retired in 1995. He was named as the Licking County and Ohio Small Business Person of the year in 1988. Bill served on the Board of Hospice of Central Ohio and served on several executive posts in the YMCA, Ohio Council, and National SCUBA organizations. He was Author of nine Published books and hundreds of magazine articles. Bill enjoyed traveling with his wife and had visited all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries. Other hobbies and Interests included SCUBA diving, boating, writing, vegetable gardening, kiting, underwater photography, whale watching, woodworking, pet rescue organizations, walking and hiking, cooking, greyhound and horse handicapping and racing, shuffleboard, reading, canning dill pickles(famous as “BAD BILL’S DILLS”), and attempting to learn to play a musical instrument. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. Survived by his loving wife Alice. Daughter Shelley McKee of Pataskala, son Kelley (Darlene) McBride of Reynoldsburg, daughter Lori (Chris) Peffers of Newark, Grandchildren Annette (Pat) Linn, Lonnie McKee, Chris Peffers Jr., Crystal (Ronald) Walker, David ( Michelle) Peffers, David McBride, and 19 great-grandchildren. Also survived by his Godson Jeff Sigg of Cocoa Beach, FL and several nieces and nephews and his special dog Lady. Preceded in death by his parents Robert and Marianbelle McBride, son-in-law Charlie McKee and good friend Jack Porter . Visiting hours will be Friday September 2nd from 11am to 1pm with the service immediately following at the Summit Station United Methodist Church, 6626 Summit Road, Pataskala officiated by Pastor Rob Turner. Interment will follow at Newark Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers donations can be mailed to Stop The Suffering at 3061 London Hollow Road, Newark, Ohio 43055. Arrangement are in care of Kauber-Fraley Funeral Home.