Son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, pastor, counselor, mentor, coach, Scout leader, firefighter, EMT, writer, author and speaker were just some of what Rev. Dr. William T. McConnell III was called but the best description of Bill was a disciple of Christ. He wanted everyone to know about God and His love. On Oct. 8, 2022, at his home in Okeana, at the age of 76, Bill was called home.
William T. McConnell III was born Sept. 20, 1946, in Louisville, Kentucky, to William T. McConnell Jr. and June Redding McConnell. He grew up in Louisville and Worthington, Kentucky, graduated from Eastern High School, and went to Eastern Kentucky University for his Bachelor of Political Science degree. Bill felt the call to become a minister and then went to attend Asbury Theological Seminary and later Kingsway Theological Seminary. He ministered in Kentucky, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee and lastly in Norwood at Norwood Christian Church. Bill’s mission in life was to share the love of God and to teach others to spread the word. He was also a firefighter/EMT, police, fire department and prison chaplain, spiritual director for the Emmaus Community, and was active in the Scouts from 1970-2000. In recognition of Bill’s distinguished service with the Boy Scouts of America, he received their highest recognition, the Silver Beaver Award. Bill was also an author writing “Born in a Barn;” “You Can’t Scare Me, I have Kids;” “Renew Your Congregation, Overhauling Life;” “Developing a Significant Church;” and the last book that is in progress is “It was important to me.”
In his personal life he was a wonderful dad to Mack, Meg, David and Robin and after marrying Nancy Cothern Kuetemeyer on July 23, 1988, he extended his father duties to his bonus children: Klint, Josh, and Jackie. Bill was a teacher and a leader and was always there for his children to give a hug or advice when they needed it most … even if sometimes his advice was not what they wanted to hear. His children were proud that he was their father.
Bill’s legacy will live on with his beloved wife Nancy E. (Cothern) McConnell; children: Mack (Candace Sharp) McConnell, Meg (Chase) McConnell-Mamer, David McConnell, Robin McConnell, Klint Kuetemeyer, Josh (Elizabeth) Kuetemeyer and Jackie (Brad) Sulfrdge; Papa to Hannah, Bryndan, Lilly, and Quinn McConnell, Nicholas Evans, Brooke (Brett) Mueller, Kaitlyn (Blake) Doyle, Olivia, Anna, Gabby, and Max Kuetemeyer, Hope, Will and Vivian Sulfridge; cherished great–grandchildren: Karsyn Evans, Bentley and Omelia Doyle; dear brother of Linda O’Dell, Elizabeth Sherfy Browning and Dr. William “Willie” Homes McConnell. Also survived by his brothers-in-law: Daniel (Carolyn) and Larry Cothern; sister-in-law: Patricia “Trish” (Duane) Gregory and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and brothers and sisters in Christ.
Visitation will be held at Legacy Christian Church on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral Service will be on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the church. Private Burial to follow at Smithfield Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mathew 25: Ministries. Funeral home representatives will accept memorials at the visitation and funeral service. If you are unable to attend mail your donation to Brater Winter Funeral Home, 201 S. Vine St., Harrison, Ohio, 45030. They will notify the family of your donation and mail to charity.
