The Kentucky Wesleyan College community mourns the loss of longtime team physician Dr.
William A. McManus Jr., who passed away Friday, Dec. 15, in his home at the age of 91.
Doc, as he was traditionally called, served Kentucky Wesleyan for 29 years. He volunteered his services to the
health and well being of Kentucky Wesleyan student-athletes and coaches plus students, faculty and staff
starting in 1965.
"He was a wonderful doctor but even greater man and humanitarian", stated former head basketball coach Guy
Strong. "He was truly a lover of Wesleyan athletics."
During his tenure, he was a member of six NCAA Division II Basketball Championship teams—1966, 1968,
1969, 1987 and 1990.
"He was a great man and loved by our entire Championship teams during and after our playing days," said
Kentucky Wesleyan All-American George Tinsley.
When Dr. McManus retired as team physician, Kentucky Wesleyan honored him by retiring the jersey number
29 in 1994. He is the only non-student- athlete in Panther history to receive a jersey number retirement.
In 2014, Kentucky Wesleyan College inducted Dr. McManus into their Athletic Hall of Fame.
"Dr. McManus will always be an icon at Kentucky Wesleyan College," said 46-year friend Roy Pickerill. "His
name and accomplishments will live forever in the history books."
Born in Cairo, Ill., September 16, 1926, Dr. McManus was a graduate of Owensboro High School, Centre College,
and the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He was a World War II veteran of the United States Navy.
Dr. McManus is survived by his wife, Ann Long McManus; his children Kelly Smith and her husband Jim of
Lexington and William Allen McManus, III of Owensboro; and his grandchildren Melissa Ann Smith of
Lexington and Andrew McManus of Daytona Beach.
A gathering of family and friends will be at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory from 12:00 noon until 2:00
p.m. Sunday. A private service of committal and burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice. Memories and messages of
condolence may be shared with the family of Dr. McManus by viewing the obituary HERE.
by Liz Wacienga
