Obituary of William James McDermaid
Age 94, of Mt. Morris, died Tuesday, June 25, 2019, at Ascension Genesys in Grand Blanc. Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 am Friday, June 28, 2019, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mt. Morris. Rev. Fr. Roy Horning to officiate with burial at Calvary Cemetery. Family will receive friends at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services of Mt. Morris, on Thursday, from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. On Thursday evening, family and friends will gather for a Life Remembrance Service at 7:00 pm. Friday morning, Bill will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00 am until the time of Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Memorial donations may be directed to the City of Mt. Morris Fire Department. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and church.
Bill was born September 15, 1924, in Flint, Michigan, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Orville and Cecillia (Callahan) McDermaid. Raised in Mt. Morris, Bill would go on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army, as a Paratrooper and Medic during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge, he would return to Mt. Morris and meet a beautiful young woman, by the name of Arlene McNamara. The two dated, fell in love and were united in marriage on August 26, 1950, in Manistique. Sadly, she preceded him in death on July 17, 2012. Bill would go on to work for AC Spark Plug for 33 years, retiring in 1984. He also served his community as a Mt. Morris Volunteer Fire Fighter for 26 years, until retiring in 1969. Once retired from AC Spark Plug, Bill went to work at Martin Funeral Home for many years. He was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus #4285. He enjoyed playing softball, bowling, golfing, and traveling to Las Vegas.
Left to cherish his memory are three children: Kathy and husband, Steve Middleditch, Kelli and husband, Chris Thompson, and Joe and wife, Jackie McDermaid; seven grandchildren: Keri and husband, Tare Wigod, Wendy and husband, Tom Boike, Curtis and wife, Hali Thompson, Katie and husband, Keith Phillips, Tracy and husband, Josh Taylor, Tim McDermaid, and fiancée Michelle, and Becky and husband, Tony Neumann; 13 great-grandchildren; dear friends, Leon and Gin Pifer; and many in-laws; nieces; nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene; siblings; Jack, Mary, and Prudy.