William Thomas Mcqueeney

WILLIAM T. McQUEENEY Charleston - Entered into eternal rest on Thursday, March 24, 2011 William Thomas McQueeney, the husband of Charlotte Aimar Simmons McQueeney. William T. "Bully" McQueeney was born into the harsh pulses of adversity on Tuesday, February 3, 1925, a son of Charles A. and Mittie Elizabeth Reynolds McQueeney. His Depression Era childhood was further impaired by the death of his mother. His father suffered a disability in World War I. The third of four children, he grew up with many challenges and depended upon prayer, resourcefulness and extended family for survival. He had a fine academic and athletic career at Bishop England High School where he was mentored by Coach Gerald McMahon and Father Joseph Lawrence "Doc" O'Brien. It was Father O'Brien that consented to giving him his high school diploma early so that he could join his brother in World War II. He was only 17. Toughened by a world that threw its best punches, McQueeney served in the Pacific Theater. He continued to serve until February of 1946. Once back in Charleston, he took residence with his older brother "Buster" in a boarding home. The two of them were inseparable. The proprietors enjoyed the two courteous brothers and invited them often to share meals. McQueeney fell in love with their oldest daughter, Charlotte Simmons. They married in February of 1947. He returned to pursue his education at The Citadel. He was not able to complete his degree due to the vigor in which he and Charlotte built a family. Six children were born in eight years. Three others followed. Yet, McQueeney became as passionate about Charleston's vaunted military college as any graduate. He traveled to away football games every year. In time, he and Charlotte prevailed upon their seven sons to attend The Citadel. He and Charlotte hold the record for children graduates. Owing to his love of Bulldog football, none were allowed to schedule weddings during Citadel home games. McQueeney spent 37 years as a commercial truck salesman with International Harvester Company. He was cited often as one of the company's top sales leaders. He excelled at the profession because of his work ethic, knowledge of product and gregarious personality. After retirement, he worked ten more years in his son Tommy's insurance agency. In his leisure, he enjoyed golf and following the Atlanta Braves along with his Citadel Bulldogs. He and Charlotte were blessed with 31 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Even in his later years in dealing with difficult health issues, he loved seeing the younger children. It was thematic in his life that children made him happy. McQueeney was a devout practicing Catholic and a regular communicant. He was a stern, but loving father. He was a fine husband and provider to Charlotte over their 64 years of marriage. He often addressed her as a living saint and loved her dearly. His jovial personality and quick wit produced meaningful friendships. Over time, he provided great joy and laughter to family, friends and business associates. His sense of humor and selfless attitude throughout even the most trying days of his late life were an inspiration to all. His family is most thankful to those gallant souls that assisted this patriarch with unflagging medical and spiritual support over these last few years. He loved you all. Surviving are his wife , Charlotte S. McQueeney, nine children, Gail M. Todd and spouse Gene, Daniel S. McQueeney and spouse Caroline, Charles A. McQueeney and spouse Lynn, W. Thomas McQueeney, Jr.and spouse Mandy, David P. McQueeney, F. Ritchie McQueeney and spouse Carleen, J. Lawrence McQueeney and spouse Yvonne, Sharon M. Wooten and spouse Joel and Christopher M. McQueeney and spouse Samantha; thirty-one grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. William T. McQueeney are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM Monday, March 28, 2011, in the Summerall Chapel on The Citadel Campus. The Rite of Committal will be at St. Lawrence Cemetery. The family will receive friends this Sunday afternoon at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy. from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM .The Rosary will be recited at 6:30 PM. The family requests memorials be made to The Citadel Brigadier Foundation Memorial Fund, William T. McQueeney Scholarship, 141 Moultrie St.,Charleston, SC 29409 or Christ Our King Senior Center Fund, 1149 Russell Dr., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464. Mr. McQueeney's guest book may be signed online at www.jamesamcalister.com. Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc, 766-1365.