William J. (“Bill”) Peel, 84, a longtime publishing executive for plumbing industry magazines, died on Oct. 7 after an extended illness. His industry career began in the 1940s and he rose to publisher of two major industry magazines, Domestic Engineering (DE) and Actual Specifying Engineer. After several years in this position, he initiated the sale of DE to Scott Periodicals and its subsequent merger with Plumbing & Heating Journal. The merged magazine was known as DE/Journal.

As a member of the Army Air Corps, Peel flew fighter aircraft escorting U.S. B-17 daylight bombers to targets extending over much of occupied Europe.He had several confirmed kills of enemy aircraft and received multiple awards of both the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross. In retirement Bill was active in Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity.

Memorials may be made to Respite Care, Church of Our Saviour, 4416 Bohicket Road, Johns Island, SC 29455.