Memorial service Friday for longtime Tampa attorney and former gubernatorial candidate Bill McBride

TAMPA - A memorial service for longtime Tampa attorney and former Florida gubernatorial candidate Bill McBride will take place at the Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church this Friday, December 28 beginning at 1:00 p.m..

McBride passed away Saturday at the age of 67 after a heart attack.

He was with family and friends at the time.

McBride graduated from University of Florida during the Vietnam War. He joined the United States Marine Corps and was later was awarded the Bronze Star with a Valor Device.

He continued his dedication to the corps after returning from Vietnam, teaching at the Marine Corps Officers School in Quantico, Virginia.

He furthered his education when he began it attending law school at University of Florida. He went on to work for Holland and Knight Law Firm, most recently working as a senior partner at Barnett, Bolt, Kirkwood, Long & McBride.

In 2002 ,McBride ran against Jeb Bush during the gubernatorial election, but lost the race.

He leaves behind his wife of 25 years, Alex Sink, former Chief Financial Officer for the State of Florida, as well as his two children, Bert and Lexi.

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D) described McBride as being “larger than life. ”

“He was one of the great business, legal, and political leaders of Florida, and he is a friend that many of us will miss,” continued Nelson.

The family will receive friends in the courtyard of the church at the conclusion of the memorial service.

Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church is located at 3501 W. San Jose Street, in Tampa, Florida.

The church is across the street from Plant High School on the Himes Avenue side.