William Shipp McGehee

William Shipp McGehee, 88, passed away at his home on January 15, 2026, in The Villages, Florida.

He was born in Washington, D.C. on February 11, 1937. His love of life and roads less traveled led him to the Florida Keys where he found diving and adventure. He was instrumental in the development of the scuba diving industry as we know it today. He became a treasure diver recovering artifacts and treasure in Chichen Itza, the Bahamas, Florida and the Caribbean.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra Fredericks McGehee. He was a devoted and loving father to Darren Matthew McGehee and daughter Dawn Shambre. Lisa Bunch was his friend and caretaker. After moving to The Villages, he met Susan Bardsley, his companion for twenty years.

Bill’s memory will live on by family, friends, and all who knew him.