William F McGowan Jr.

Tampa, Florida- McGowan, William F. Jr. (Bill) age 85, of Tampa Florida passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 11, 2022. Bill was born in Richmond, Virginia on April 17, 1937 to William F. McGowan Sr. and Prudence Polk McGowan. Bill was pre deceased by his parents and brother, Marshall Polk McGowan. Bill graduated from Mouth Pleasant High School in Wilmington, Delaware and was Valedictorian of his senior class and member of the Track Team. He then attended and graduated with a BA. From Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut and was a member of Delta Tau Delta. Bill continued his education and graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School in Nashville, Tennessee and was editor of the Law Review. Upon graduation, he joined the prominent law firm of Carlton Fields, P.A In Tampa Florida in 1964. He was a trial lawyer specializing in insurance, construction and maritime law. Bill married Barbara Jean Spoto, the daughter of George and Teresa Spoto, on December 5, 1964 and they were married for 56 years. Bill was an avid and expert sailor and boater and was a Senior Member of the US power Squadron in Tampa.

Bill also enjoyed serving the community as a member of several Boards in Tampa: Metropolitan Ministries, Council of Downtown Churches, Alpha House, Catholic Charities, and Tampa Ecumerical Prayer Team aka “Hearts for Healing”. He was a member of the Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club, Tampa Yacht and Country Club, St. Petersburg Yacht Club, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, The Scottish St. Andrew’s Society of Tampa and the East India Club in London, England. Bill Served the Lord faithfully in various churches both Episcopal and Catholic and is currently a member of Christ the King Catholic Church. Bill Loved traveling, running and especially cruising with his family in the waters of St. Joseph Island, Ontario and the Florida Gulf Coast. Upon retiring, he and Barbara enjoyed their seasonal homes in Canada and Italy. Bill was a happy man who loved his adventures in his life, his family and friends.

His is survived by his wife, Barbara Spoto McGowan; Children, George Marshall McGowan and Gina Barbara McGowan (Thomas Williams) and four grandchildren, Kayla Whitten, Jordan Whitten, Tyler McGowan and Maya McGowan. Pallbearers include Dr. George Spoto, Jr., Thomas Williams, Jordan Whitten, George Spoto, III, Frank Wright, David Shobe and Dwight Holmes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Christ the King Catholic Church at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, September 20th, 2022. Interment will be at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park in Tampa, Florida. On-line condolences can be given to the family at www.blountcurrymacdill.com.