William Hugh (Bill) McKeown was born in Bainbridge, Georgia, and grew up and lives in the house built by his grandparents in the late 1800s. His home was a loving multigenerational household of parents, grandmothers, and aunts and, as an only child, it has been said that he was a tad spoiled. Although it seemed crowded at times, Bill’s mother always said “Just suit yourself to your circumstances,” which Bill still views as good advice!
Bill is a fifth generation north Floridian. His great, great grandfather, John “Virginia” Smith settled with his family in Quincy in 1929 and is known for introducing Virginia tobacco seend and helping develop the shade tobacco industry in Gadsden County.
Bill married the love of his life Sara Ruth Shelfer in 1962 after she graduated from FSU. They moved to Gainesville for Bill’s senior year at University of Florida. Although Bill obtained a degree in Agriculture, his interests had always included art, architecture and antiques. He and Sara Ruth returned to the farm after graduation, and he grew tobacco with his father. Upon his father’s death, Bill continued growing tobacco for several years. He then went to work for the Quincy State Bank, which is now Capital City Bank. This began a thirty-year State career with the Office of Comptroller and Department of Banking and Finance.
Bill’s knowledge of antiques and art supplemented their income while at UF by “picking” at thrift stores and selling to antiques shops. Sara Ruth shared these interests and this gave them extra income for many years. Bill says that he enjoyed researching the history and age of a piece more than the monetary value. His friend and fellow Watercolorist Phil Pollock shares, “I met Bill through the passion of antique collecting. He and I were both actively interested in various collection areas and his knowledge in that field is extensive. Later in my work with the State of Florida, I realized that Bill and I intersected as friends that way, too. The thing that has always struck me most about Bill is that he is the quintessential gentleman. He is so kind and compassionate. He is a shining star among men.”
When Bill retired, his mother and wife “suggested” that he go find something to do. Bill always knew he could draw but he didn’t think he possessed any special artistic ability. He began taking art classes at the Tallahassee Senior Center around 2005 starting with a pastels class taught by Hank Fleck. When Fleck retired, Bill turned to watercolor and as skills developed a new career opened. He was encouraged to join art societies and currently holds signature status in ten of these. Signature status is obtained by having one’s work juried in at least three exhibitions. He has exhibited and received awards locally, nationally, and internationally including Qingdao, China and Barcelona, Spain.
Bill has been a Deacon in the Gretna Baptist Church since1963 and still leads the singing every Sunday. He describes himself as a “people person” and through the years was or is active in The Quincy Music Theatre, The Gadsden Arts Center, West Gadsden Historical Society, Havana History & Historical Society, Chester County Historical Society. He also competes in at least 10 art society competitions annually.
Bill and Sara Ruth have two children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
