William Hays McClure (Bill), 94, passed away October 11, 2017. He was born in Union City, TN, on October 27, 1922 to Jesse Hays and Louise Harris McClure.

Bill graduated from Union City High School in May of 1940. He attended Southwestern College in Memphis, TN on a football scholarship. In December 1942 he joined the US Navy Reserve. He went to Sewanee College, and Northwestern University for training. He graduated in May 1944 with a Naval Commission as an Ensign, and was assigned to Amphibious Training in Little Creek, VA. Bill spent 18 months in the Pacific Theater, and was discharged as a Lieutenant J.G. Bill attended Murray University and received a BS in 1948, a MS degree in 1952, lettering in football and baseball.

On May 30, 1947 Bill married Virginia Glenn Barfield in Henning, TN. They were married until Glenn's death on October 20, 2009. Bill began his teaching and coaching career in Danville, VA in 1948. He also taught in Halls, TN and Dyersburg, TN. Bill and his family moved to Vero Beach in July 1956 where he was a teacher and coach at Vero Beach High School from 1956-1957. He was Principal of Vero Beach Elementary School from 1957-1964 and Principal of Vero Beach High School from 1964-1966. He was Assistant Superintendent of Indian River County Schools from 1966-1968 and Superintendent from 1968-January 1979. Bill and Glenn retired in January of 1979 and lived in North and South Carolina and Tennessee until 1995 when they returned to Vero Beach.

Bill was a member of First United Methodist Church and served on the Official Board, the Pastor Parish Relations Committee, and the Usher Panel for many years. He was President of the Exchange Club and a member of the original committee to establish the Volunteer Ambulance Squad. He was a member of the FL Superintendent Association, FL State Certification Committee, American Legion, VFW, FL Retired Educators Association, and a Life Member of PTA.

Bill is survived by brothers Major James H. McClure (Ruthie) and Dr. Jere P. McClure (Anna Gayle), a daughter Suzanne McClure Wilk (Bob), a grandchild, Shannon Knapp (Cody), and a great grandchild, Sarah. He was predeceased by a son, William H. McClure, Jr.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, October 19, 2017 at First United Methodist Church in Vero Beach. Interment and Military Honors will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com