William E. "Bill" McBride, Ph.D.

William E. “Bill” McBride, 85, of Woodway, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, after a battle with mental health challenges and stroke-related disabilities.

A Visitation will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026 with Rosary at 9:30 a.m. at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Waco. The Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Bill was born on August 23, 1940 in Albert Lea, Minnesota to John and Mary O’Shaughnessy McBride. He graduated from Pacelli Catholic High School in Austin, Minnesota in 1958 and went on to attend St. John’s University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics in 1962. On December 28, 1963 he married Jane Goihl, beginning a devoted union that spanned more than 62 years.

Bill continued his education at the University of North Dakota, receiving a Master of Arts in Mathematics in 1964. After working for Control Data, he began his academic career at Bemidji State University. His passion for mathematics and education led him to pursue doctoral studies at the University of Missouri–Rolla, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1973. He subsequently taught mathematics at Western Illinois University before moving to Waco in 1981 to join the faculty in the Department of Computer Science at Baylor University. There, he became a respected professor and mentor, serving generations of students until his retirement.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary O’Shaughnessy McBride.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane McBride; and their seven children: Mike McBride (Lesli) of Coldspring, Texas; Tricia Johnson (Bradford) of Charlotte, North Carolina; Dan McBride of Dallas, Texas; Colleen Jones of Austin, Texas; Erin Shurtz (Rick) of Austin, Texas; Alison Havens (Mark) of Austin, Texas; and Molly Rieger (Shane) of McGregor, Texas.

Bill was a proud grandfather to fourteen grandchildren: Sara Houston (John) of Cypress, Texas; Katherine Di Filippo (John) of Magnolia, Texas; Austin Johnson of North Vancouver; Philip McBride (Alexandria) of Missouri City, Texas; AnnClaire Murray (Dillon) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Sean Johnson (fiancée Katherine) of Grand Rapids, MI; Brock Jones of Houston, Texas; Jack Jones of Austin, Texas; Luke Jones of Denver, Colorado; Caroline Havens of Austin, Texas; Ellie Jones of Austin, Texas; Mary-Kate Havens of Austin, Texas; Maddy Rieger of McGregor, Texas; and Caleb Rieger of McGregor, Texas. He was also blessed with fourteen great- grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Philip McBride, Sean Johnson, Brock Jones, Jack Jones, Luke Jones and Caleb Rieger. Austin Johnson will serve as an honorary pallbearer.

Bill was an avid reader who loved learning throughout his life, particularly enjoying fiction and history novels, as well as researching his genealogy. He faithfully supported Baylor University athletics, enjoyed traveling with Jane and cherished every opportunity to spend time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His wisdom, steadfast faith, dedication to education, and deep love for his family will be remembered by all who knew him.

Bill was a long-time member of St. Mary and later St Jerome parishes in Waco, Texas where he served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist to the homebound. He was a member of the Knights of Colombus for 55 years and served as Grand Knight for multiple terms. In retirement, he found joy in tutoring college athletes in Mathematics at Baylor University and delivering meals with Meals on Wheels.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Peter Catholic Student Center at Baylor University.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered prayers, support, and kindness during this time, and to the Providence Hospice and Providence Village Teams for their compassionate care and guidance.