A veteran of World War II, McPheeters received a degree in architecture from Oklahoma State University and an MFA in architecture from Princeton in 1956.
After serving on the architecture faculties of the University of Florida, Auburn (then A.P.I.), and the University of Arkansas, McPheeters became dean of architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In 1968, he returned to Auburn and served for 19 years as dean of architecture and fine arts (at what is now the College of Architecture, Design, and Construction).
Following retirement from Auburn, McPheeters headed a team chosen to produce drawings for the restoration of Taliesin, the home and studio complex of Frank Lloyd Wright in Wisconsin, under a grant from the Getty Foundation and Taliesin Architects. He was a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, was named a distinguished architect of the Collegiate Schools of Architecture, and received several architectural design awards for residential and church designs.
McPheeters is survived by his wife, Mary Louise; two sons; and one grandson. Another son preceded him in death.
Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.