Mr. William Andrew Magruder

William Andrew Magruder peacefully entered eternal rest with his Lord and Savior, Nov.17, 2025 at the age of 89. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law and uncle, William was born on Oct. 15, 1936 in Washington DC, to the late Mary Elizabeth Johnson-Magruder and Herbert Andrew Magruder. He grew up in Georgetown, back then a working class and impoverished neighborhood, which shaped his life and values.He attended Francis Junior High School, where he discovered and nurtured his talents in drawing, cooking and singing. Around 1950, he formed a musical group called “The Blue Jays,” which later became “The Five Blue Notes.” When the doo-wop group’s success didn’t come quickly enough, William—motivated by a desire to support his mother and sisters—enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1953. After completing his military service in 1958, William returned home and joined the renowned R&B group, “The Spaniels,” best known for their hit song “Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight.” His time with the group took him across the country, performing alongside some of the greatest musicians of that era. He would often recall those experiences with immense joy and pride. In 1963, William stepped away from the music industry and transitioned into various careers. He worked in security at the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C., drove a taxicab, and later joined D.C. Transit (now known as the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority), where he remained until his retirement in 1996. William married the late Rudeen R. Henderson-Magruder in 1970. From this union came two children: Andrea R. Magruder-Fair and Byron A. Magruder. In 1982, he married Mary A. Grate-Magruder, gaining a beloved bonus daughter, Shayla T. Grate-Harris. In 1996, William married Regina Allen-Magruder. Their union was filled with deep companionship, and they remained devoted to one another until his passing. William was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Elizabeth Magruder; his sister, Barbara Suber; and two stepsons, Christopher and Mark Allen. He is survived by his devoted wife, Regina; his dear sisters, Christine Magruder and Joan Ward-Peace; his beloved children, Andrea, Byron (Charkeena), and Shayla; as well as his grandchildren, Kaia, Byron Jr., and Copelin. He is lovingly remembered by his stepsons Lawrence Allen, Michael Allen (Clydellia), Eric Allen (Cherissa), and a bonus stepson, William McCaleb —all of whom became a meaningful part of his life through his marriage to Regina. He also leaves to mourn his passing many other grandchildren, nieces and nephews, who brought him great joy. William’s memory will live on in the hearts of many family members and friends, who were touched by his warmth, his stories, his music, and his unwavering love.

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Mr. William Andrew Magruder

October 15, 1936 - November 17, 2025