McGee, William Earl, called "Bill" by friends and family, passed away November 8, 2021. Preceded in death by his parents, Earl McGee and Ruth McGee (nee Thorpe), and his sister Patricia Baker (nee McGee). William was born in Oak Lawn, IL, and spent his early years in the Englewood neighborhood before moving with his family to Joliet, Illinois where he spent his teens. William graduated from Joliet Township High School, where he participated in ROTC, and earned his commission in the Navy as a midshipman upon graduation. He attended Illinois Institute of Technology, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics. He attended graduate school at Northern Illinois University where he was awarded a Master's Degree in Mathematics. He served in the Navy as an Officer from 1969 to 1976, acting as a navigator for aircraft carriers in addition to other roles on different ships. During his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal with Three Bronze Stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Medal). He retired from the Navy as a Lieutenant in 1976. After serving in the Navy, he began his career in nuclear power/energy, working for Commonwealth Edison for the majority of his career. He will be remembered by those who knew him best as a quiet but witty and razor-sharp, loving father and husband. Despite his seemingly gruff and unassuming manner, he affected many people's lives. He was funny. He was strong and kind. He was a great man. He was also known for his inability to tolerate inanities. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathryn McGee (nee Haley); sons, William McGee, Jr. (wife Lynn Douglass-McGee) and Robert McGee; his daughters Kathleen (husband Andrew Makela) and Margaret McGee (husband Conn Newton); his grandsons Liam Makela and William and George Newton; his granddaughters, Emma and Hannah McGee and Jane, Frances and Maeve Makela; and so many other relatives and friends. A small memorial service will be held at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 South State St., Manhattan, IL, on Thursday, November 11th from 10:00am to 11:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manhattan. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Manhattan. Given the rampant spread of Covid-19, the family understands if some choose not to attend. William devoted his retirement years to his family, the extensive study of genealogy and every known piece of writing about World War II. While he was a man of few words, when given, his advice was thoughtful and succinct. We know that he would share in the views of Nick Offerman, aka Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation, "Well, I'm not usually one for speeches. So, goodbye."