Edward J. McQuail III

Bluefield, WV- Edward J. “Eddie” McQuail, III, 77, of Bluefield, WV, died Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at his home. A lifelong resident of Bluefield, McQuail was born February 1, 1939 and was the son of the late Edward J. McQuail, Jr. and Elinor Ritz McQuail. He was a graduate of the Beaver High School Class of 1957. He was a member of the Beaver High School/Bluefield High School Class with Distinction. His class was the last to attend the old school, Beaver, and the first to hold their Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies in the auditorium of the city’s new school, Bluefield. McQuail worked at McQuail’s Inc., his family’s retail furniture business, from 1961-1970. His career as an educator included teaching at East Welch School in McDowell County and serving as a teacher and librarian at Pocahontas High School in Tazewell County, Virginia. He was also employed by the Tennessee Valley Authority in Knoxville, TN as an information specialist. McQuail received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Concord University in 1970; a Master of Arts degree with a certification in Library Science Education from Marshall University in 1975; and a Master of Science in Library Science degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1981. He had a well-established record of dedicated community service. He volunteered at Bluefield Regional Medical Center for a number of years, served as treasurer of the Bluefield (WV) Lions Club and was a member of the Bluefield Jaycees and the Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce. He also belonged to the Bluefield Elks Club and the Clover Club in Bluefield. McQuail was affiliated with the West Virginia Secondary School Association and was a life member of the American Library Association. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bluefield. Honored for his professional accomplishments and community involvement, McQuail was named an Elite American Educator, Worldwide Who’s Who Branding (2016); Elite American Educator, Worldwide Who’s Who (2012); VIP Member, Worldwide Who’s Who (2011-2012); and, Who’s Who in the South and Southeast, Nineteenth Edition, Marquis Who’s Who Publication Board (1984-1985). McQuail was named the Beaver/Bluefield high school archivist and historian by the Bluefield High School Foundation, the school administration and faculty senate. His portrait now hangs in the library at Bluefield High School. He was a 2014 recipient of the William Myers “Community Spirit” award for his decades-long assistance in providing archival and historical information to his neighbors in the Bluefield area. His extensive collection of BHS yearbooks has been considered the most complete set known in existence. He also collected dolls, cinema books and history books. In addition to his parents, McQuail was preceded in death by his sister, Elinor Cleon McQuail. Survivors include cousins and a host of friends. The family will receive friends at Mercer Funeral Home on Friday January 13, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., with a Christian Wake service to be held at 7:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday January 14, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. from Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. with Father Sabastian Devasya officiating. Burial will follow at Monte Vista Park Cemetery in Green Valley. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Edward J. “Eddie” McQuail, III.

Edward J. McQuail III

February 1, 1939 - January 3, 2017