William Alexander "Mr. Bill" McClain was a man of and for the people of Winston-Salem.  Based upon Christian principles, his humble efforts influenced the lives of the most challenged in the community-our children.  His passion was in preparing youth to be responsible and productive citizens.  Thousands of children have achieved success because he listened, he taught them to listen; he advised, he taught them to be advisors; he navigated funding opportunities, he taught them to appreciate the spirit of generous givers; he encouraged, he taught them to encourage; he prayed, and he taught them about the power of faith. In the zeitgeist of turbulent times, his style was loving, inclusive, generous, discerning, and peaceful.

Mr. Bill's professional life included: banking, auto sales, coaching, and youth service activities at the Boys and Girls Club, the Housing Authority of Winston-Salem, and most recently through a nonprofit which he founded- GIDE (Guiding Institute for Developmental Education.) The focus of GIDE is to help low-resource underperforming students to achieve academic proficiency.  He often used basketball as an incentive for youth to become involved in improving their academic standing. Homework had to be completed before anyone could pick up a ball or head to a court.  He was able to do so much of his youth services work because of the generosity of Union Baptist Church, the Rotary Club of Clemmons, the New Canaan Society, YMCA Camp Hanes, Kidz Extreme, and Delmarva Educational Association.  Through the years, he was also involved in sound, lights, and music productions for various events with his business, Mr. Bill's Productions.

Mr. Bill was born to Hazel McClain on December 29, 1947, and was reared by his grandparents, Alexander and Vivian McClain in Winston-Salem, NC.  He was a native son.  After graduating from Atkins High School, he received an Associate of Arts Degree from Brevard College.  He later graduated from Greensboro College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration.

In addition to his mother and grandparents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Carl and Earl Collins formerly of Winston-Salem, NC, and Brent Morris formerly of Detroit, MI; and his son-in-law, David Saunders formerly of Winston-Salem, NC.

Mr. Bill transitioned peacefully at home with his beloved family at his side on February 11, 2024 from complications of a rare disease known as cardiac amyloidosis.

He is survived by his wife, Joanette Pete McClain; three children, Wilhelmenina "Princess" Saunders of Winston-Salem, NC, Talitha and Roderick (Delece) James of Los Angeles, CA; three sisters, Anna Reid of Winston-Salem, NC, Joan Haywood and Rena Morris of Detroit, MI; seven grandsons and five granddaughters; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who are mourning his loss.

The McClain Family is so deeply grateful for all of the prayers, words of comfort, and visits during Bill's illness.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00am Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Union Baptist Church with Bishop Sir Walter Mack officiating. The family visitation will be held from 10:30am until 11:00am on Saturday at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, kindly mail donations to: YMCA-GIDE, 301 North Main Street Suite 1900 Winston-Salem, NC 27101.