The Rev. Dr. William J. Gnagey, spouse of Reverend Dr. Ruth Jacquot Gnagey, died peacefully on 14 November 2020 at his home in Normal, Illinois, with loved ones nearby.
He was born on 16 August 1927 in Milledgeville, Illinois, the son of Leelo and Virginia Gnagey. He was educated at Manchester College, in Indiana, and Wayne State University, in Detroit, Michigan where he received his BS, M.Ed., and Ph. D in Psychology. He taught in the public schools of Detroit for four years. At the same time, he was ordained by the Church of the Brethren and was Associate Pastor of the Church of the Brethren of Detroit. In 1953, Bill began a career as a professor of Psychology at Manchester College, then at Butler State University and Illinois State University where he was a professor for 38 years. At Illinois State he also served as Director of Educational Research Services and Assistant Dean of the Graduate School. He received many honors at ISU: Distinguished Teacher, 1969, Outstanding University Teacher of the Year, 1985, among others. He loved being an educator. He retired as Emeritus Professor in 1999.
He was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington Normal from 1961, serving as President of the Board for two years and in many other capacities. His sense of humor was refreshing, and he kept it to the end of his life.
Bill married Marilyn Macey in 1948, but she died in 1973. He married Rev. Dr. Ruth Jacquot on 19 May 2003, and they spent many years as co-ministers during the winter months at Unitarian Universalist churches in Texas.
Beside Ruth, he is survived by three of his children: Leslie Roberts, of Bloomington, Timothy Gnagey (Vickie) of Leroy, IL and Jeffery Gnagey (Janice) of Northfield, MI; two step-children: Bruce Praul (Kelly) of Sunbury, Ohio and Kyle McCullough of Apopka, Florida; two brothers: Larry Gnagey (Regina) of Jonesboro, Arkansas and Thomas Gnagey of Fayettville, Arkansas; by seven grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren.
The family expresses deep appreciation to the staff of the Carle Hospice program for their faithful and loving care of our dear Bill during his illness. Bill’s body was donated to science with support from the Carmody-Flynn Funeral home. A virtual memorial service will be scheduled by Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington Normal.