In Memoriam: Dr. William “Bill” Patrick McCluskey
The Medical Center extends its sympathy to the family of a former faculty member in appreciation for the loved one’s contributions to the academic health sciences center.
Dr. William “Bill” Patrick McCluskey
The University of Mississippi Medical Center community is mourning the loss of Dr. William “Bill” Patrick McCluskey, a dedicated pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, mentor and advocate for children. McCluskey passed away Feb. 26, 2026, in Madison, Mississippi. He was 69.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, McCluskey showed an early passion for learning and medicine. After graduating from Central High School at just 17, he was accepted into both the undergraduate program and medical school at the University of Pennsylvania. He went on to earn his medical degree from the Perelman School of Medicine in 1981.
McCluskey completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania before pursuing advanced training in pediatric orthopaedics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He later completed fellowships in pediatric orthopaedic surgery and pediatric hand surgery, preparing for a career dedicated to improving the lives of children with complex orthopaedic conditions.
After beginning his career in Jacksonville, Florida, McCluskey moved to Mississippi in 1994 to join Children’s of Mississippi. Over the next three decades, he cared for countless children and families across the state, becoming known for both his clinical expertise and his deep compassion for patients.
“Dr. McCluskey devoted his career to caring for children and advancing pediatric orthopaedic care in Mississippi,” said Dr. Mary Taylor, Suzan B. Thames Chair of Pediatrics and CEO of Children’s of Mississippi. “His compassion for patients and commitment to training the next generation of physicians made a lasting impact on our institution and the families we serve.”
Throughout his career, McCluskey was known for his commitment to children with complex musculoskeletal conditions, including those with neuromuscular disorders, congenital differences and other conditions requiring long-term, multidisciplinary care. Families and colleagues alike recognized his ability to combine technical surgical expertise with patience, compassion and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by medically fragile children and their caregivers.
Those who worked alongside McCluskey also recall his kindness, humility and dedication to his patients and colleagues.
“Dr. McCluskey was a steadfast advocate for his patients, a tireless educator to generations of trainees and a remarkable repository of knowledge in pediatric orthopaedic disease,” said Dr. Matthew Graves, Hansjorg Wyss AO Medical Foundation Chair of Orthopaedic Trauma. “His wisdom, dedication and quiet generosity shaped both our department and the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed.”
In addition to his work with patients, McCluskey was deeply committed to teaching and mentoring residents, fellows and young physicians. Colleagues remember him as a thoughtful educator who took pride in helping others grow in their careers.
“As a mentor in my undergraduate years, Dr. Bill demonstrated to me the impact of quiet, steady commitment on improving patients’ and families’ lives,” said Dr. Mitchell Hobbs, associate professor of pediatrics. “His work helping manage chronic conditions like cerebral palsy in medically fragile children was especially inspiring as even small gains in function meant huge miracles to patients and families. His longstanding legacy within pediatrics at UMMC and the state as a whole stretches far and wide, and I am so thankful for his service and teaching.”
Beyond medicine, McCluskey was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife Jill-Allyn and his three children, Dr. Kaley, Samantha and Thomas (Amber).