from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — William Edward “Bill” McBride, 83, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Aug. 31, 2016.

He wrote the “Betting with Bill” column for Hoof Beats for the past year.

Born July 23, 1933, in Defiance, Ohio, to the late Robert and Marianbelle McBride, he graduated from Defiance High School in 1951. Mr. McBride married his high school sweetheart and first wife of 64 years, Alice Emily (Relue), in 1952 in the United Methodist Church of Defiance.

Mr. McBride was a 50-year member of the Acme Masonic Lodge #554. He was a scuba instructor and an instructor/trainer for 30-plus 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. He 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 the author of nine published books and hundreds of magazine articles.

Mr. McBride 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. He is survived by his wife, Alice; children, Shelley McKee, Kelley (Darlene) and Lori (Chris) Peffers; grandchildren, Annette (Pat) Linn, Lonnie McKee, Chris Peffers Jr., Crystal (Ronald) Walker, David (Michelle) Peffers and David; 19 great-grandchildren; godson, Jeff Sigg; several nieces and nephews; and his special dog, Lady. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Marianbelle; son-in-law, Charlie McKee; and good friend, Jack Porter.

Memorial contributions can be made to Stop The Suffering, 3061 London Hollow Rd., Newark, OH 43055.