09/20/2025
TO THE COMMUNITY: RECENT PASSINGS
The Community of Mexico Beach has recently noted the passing of two of our long-term residents and friends: Bill Driver and John McInnis.
To their families, The BEACHCOMBER joins with many others in offering our sympathy and prayers. They will be missed.
Bill Driver – Bill was a years-long member of the Mexico Beach full-time resident community, along with his wife, Janet. Bill worked hard to help guide the city during its formative years, especially as he served multiple terms on the Planning & Zoning Board. He was unfailingly polite, attentive, and willing to listen and discuss, as well as knowledgeable.
John McInnis – Most everybody currently in Mexico Beach never had the pleasure of knowing John. He was a fixture in our community, and a vast well of vital information and history of our town – I learned so much from him over the years. He was not only a very long-time resident, but also one of our early police officers, then our city administrator for 17 years – imagine that, 17 years! – then served a couple of times as interim administrator as we shuffled through one of our rounds of administrator musical chairs. Always laughing, always ready to talk, always on top of things, always knowledgeable.
James William "Bill" Driver, Jr., 75, of Mexico Beach, FL, passed away on August 27, 2025, in Marietta, GA.
Born on April 21, 1950, in Rochester, NY, Bill built a distinguished career in commercial real estate, spanning more than 25 years. He held senior leadership positions with well-known companies such as The Landmarks Group, Faison, and Wells Real Estate Funds, and he played a key role in the original development of Atlanta's iconic King and Queen buildings.
Outside of his professional life, Bill was an avid hunter and saltwater fisherman, passions that reflected his love of nature and the outdoors. He most recently enjoyed a peaceful retirement in Mexico Beach, FL, with his wife, Janet, and his fishing boat, the Beach Bum.
Bill is survived by his wife, Janet Driver; his sons, Jim Driver (Devon) and Kevin Driver (Angela); his four beloved grandchildren; and his sister, Ellen Gordon (Ralph).
At Bill's request, there will not be a funeral or memorial service. Instead, he will be cremated, and his ashes will be spread in the Gulf of Mexico, where an artificial reef will also be named in his honor. Those who wish to contribute to Bill's memorial reef may donate directly via the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association's website: https://mbara.org.
Although he will be deeply missed by his family and friends, Bill was grateful for a full life and departed this world without regret.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Marietta Daily Journal on Sep. 3, 2025.
John Frank McInnis III, 81, passed away Aug. 28 after a long illness.
He was a long time resident of Mexico Beach, having been stationed at Tyndall AFB since 1981. While at Tyndall he served as an Air Weapons (Traffic) Controller and Instructor. He also served in Viet Nam in a forward Radar Unit.
After 23 years in the service, he became a policeman in Mexico Beach, then took the job of City Administrator for 17 years. He then worked for Baskerville Donovan Engineering as a project inspector until being recruited by the City of Carrabelle as their City Administrator.
John leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Sandra; his son, John (Jack) IV, wife Debra; granddaughter, Cameron; grandson, John K; his sister, Marion Blackman, husband Jerry; and several nieces, nephew and grandniece and nephews.
Per request of deceased, no service is planned at this time. Any honorarium may be made to Gulf County Humane Society or First United Methodist of PSJ.
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