William C. "Bill" McGee passed away at home on February 27, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Born August 14, 1934, in Butte to Hazel and Fred McGee, Bill grew up with his sister Jerilyn and brother Freddie, who passed away at a young age. He attended St. John's grade school, graduated from Boys Central in 1952, and studied at Montana Tech before earning a chemistry degree from Carroll College in 1958.

Bill's first job was setting pins at Marty's Bowling, earning 5 cents a game and a "whopping" 7 cents on league night. After college, he worked construction before joining the Anaconda Company in 1964.  He said that he didn't want to start his career as a chemist right away because once he did, he would do it the rest of his life.  How true!  Bill built a long and steady career at the Anaconda Company and Montana Resources.  He retired in 1999 to focus on his golf game.  When his hips and golf game failed him, he returned to work at Montana Resources in 2005 until he retired a second time in 2018 at the age of 84.  No matter how early the shift or how hard the day, his answer to how was your day never changed:  "tough but honest." He enjoyed working, especially with the crew at Montana Resources. The work and crew helped to keep his mind sharp as a tack.

In 1974, Bill married Mary Lynch and not only gained his life partner, but also a son, Tony Olson.  Together Bill and Mary welcomed three more children to the family: Bill, Michonne, and Monique. He later became known as "Papa" to six granddaughters—Taylor Olson, Riley Duffy, Dylan Duffy, Molly McHugh, Sammy McHugh, and Madi McGee.  He followed them all closely and was especially proud of the milestones and accomplishments of his children and granddaughters. He always stressed upon them to always have fun in what ever they were doing.

Bill enjoyed golf at the BCC, agonizing over his pull tabs, and cheering for Notre Dame football. It seems fitting that he and Lou Holtz went to heaven the same week.  Hopefully Bill finally has an answer as to how the Irish lost to Boston College in 1993!   He loved quiet afternoons on the patio, sunshine, birds, and the company of any dog that crossed his path. Time with friends and family—often at Hops Lounge—brought him the most joy. His trademark goodbye was "Be good," usually with a fist pump.

He is now reunited with his beloved wife Mary, surely picking up their ongoing cribbage rivalry and keeping watch over their family together.  He is preceded in death by Mary, his parents, and siblings.  He is survived by his children: Tony (Teresa) Olson, Bill McGee, Michonne (Tim) McHugh, and Monique (Todd) Duffy. He is also survived by his six granddaughters, Justin (Shannon) and Shawn Duffy, and sister-in-law, Ann Walsh, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Enhabit Home Health and Father Craig Hanley. Memorials may be made to the Butte Central Foundation, the Chelsea Bailey Animal Shelter, or donor's choice.

Friends may call after 10:00 a.m. on March 20, 2026, at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m.