Bill M. McClure

Bill M. McClure, 91, of Fort Smith, passed away on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, in Fort Smith. He was born August 28, 1930, in Erick, Okla., to Joe and Vera McClure. Because his dad worked various crops, Mr. McClure attended first grade near Wade, Okla., first grade in Buckeye, Ariz. and first-10th grades in Modesto, Calif. He finished high school in Lohn, Texas.

Mr. McClure attended Jr. College at Sayre, Okla., where he participated in three sports. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Weatherford, Okla., and his Master’s in Microbiology from the University of Arkansas.

Mr. McClure earned his way through college playing professional piano in “Country & Texas Swing”. He was hired by country star Webb Pierce after graduating from Weatherford. However, shortly thereafter, he was selected by the military draft and served in the Korean Conflict as an Army Military Police. While there, the conflict ended and he was assigned to escort military dignitaries of various countries to witness war sites. He was also asked to be part of a military band to entertain troops on weekends.

Upon returning home, he continued his musical career playing with the likes of Al Rogers, Billy Briggs, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Ernest Tubb. He was also offered to join Elvis Presley and Bob Wills, but chose the wiser path marrying Patsy Sue Fox on February

14, 1955. Mr. McClure was employed at the Pine Bluff Arsenal (DBO) germ warfare effort as a microbiologist until the operation was closed. He, with a few other men, were honored for their efforts resulting in the establishment of the National Center for Toxicological Research at Jefferson, Ark., where he retired as a virologist.

Mr. McClure had a servant’s heart helping the White Hall volunteer Fire Department, leading out for the Park Commission, and as a Little League Coach. He faithfully served his Savior Jesus Christ through Bethany Baptist Church as Treasurer for 40 years. He was a very loving husband and father. He enjoyed duck hunting, fishing, and Razorback sports.

Mr. McClure was preceded in death by his parents; and wife of 60 years. Survivors include two sons, Mike McClure of Fort Smith, and David McClure (Lisa) of Fayetteville; three grandchildren, Sydney Thompson (Clinton) of Bentonville, Dr. Spencer McClure (Katlyn) of Kansas City, and Matthew McClure of Fayetteville; one beautiful great-granddaughter, Ruby Thompson of Bentonville; and a brother, Kenneth McClure (Donna) of Amarillo, Texas.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Saturday, February 12, 2022, in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son with Rev. Jonathan Witcher officiating. Burial will follow at White Hall United Methodist Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Robinson’s from 2 p.m. until the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Missionary Debbie Guimon c/o Baptist International Missions, Inc., P.O. Box 9, Harrison, Tenn. 37341, or online http://www.bimi.org/giving/home.php#online and specify Debbie Guimon.