William McKay Eakin III
William McKay Eakin III, 94, passed away peacefully Friday, May 28, 2021, in his Washington home after a brief illness. He was the widower of Mary Louise Kier Eakin and the beloved husband of Vivian I. Filer Eakin, who survives. He and Vivian enjoyed 17 wonderful years together.
He was born January 8, 1927, in Pittsburgh, the eldest son of the late Katherine Stamm Eakin and William Eakin II.
He was a 1945 graduate of North Hampton High School and a 1950 graduate of the College of Engineering at the Carnegie Institute of Technology, now Carnegie Mellon University. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy in World War II. He owned Stanwix Printing Company in Pittsburgh for many years and co-owned Pittsburgh Boat Sales in his retirement.
Bill had an adventurous spirit and participated in various hobbies during his lifetime. He served as president of the Pittsburgh Concert Society and loved singing with the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh. He also enjoyed singing in the choir as a member of the First Christian Church in Washington.
He earned certification in scuba diving and acquired a pilot’s license. He relished flying his own plane. He also owned a 32-foot cruiser, “La Vivienne” and enjoyed boating. He was an avid reader, could converse intelligently on almost any subject, and never lost his curiosity nor his zest for life. Some of his favorite activities were travelling and dining out with wife Vivian. He was a stellar family man who was cherished and loved. He will be missed dearly by his friends and family.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by seven stepchildren, Richard Kier, Mary Louise (John) Christ, Gary (Patty) Filer, Coleen (Roland) Barney, Cindy Franks, Shane (Heather) Filer and Scarlett Church. Also surviving are two nephews, David (Nancy) Eakin and Doug (Elaine) Eakin; one niece, Katie Dietz; 21 grandchildren (three deceased); and 15 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, George Eakin and James Eakin.
In celebration of Bill’s life, a memorial service managed by Behm Funeral Homes will be held at the Greene County Memorial Park at 1 p.m. Friday, June 4, followed by a catered dinner at Greene County Country Club. Military honors will be accorded by the Greene County Honor Guard and the U.S. Navy.
Condolences may be offered at www.behmfh.com.