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In Memory

Bill B. McClain - Class Of 1951

OBITUARY

Bill "Bear" McClain

SEPTEMBER 10, 1932 – DECEMBER 11, 2021

Obituary of Bill "Bear" McClain

Bill "Bear" McClain, age 89, of Arlington, Tennessee passed away on Saturday, December 11, 2021. Bill was born September 10, 1932 to the late Sallie and Glen McClain.

Bill was from Selmer where he was the first basketball player to be named to the All State team from McNairy Country. He went on to play center at Memphis state from 1951 to 1955. Upon earning his Masters degree from Memphis State, he coached at Ramer high school for two years and then went to Treadwell high school in 1958 to continue he illustrious coaching career. In 1974 when he transitioned into school administration. He was the Principal at Raleigh Egypt high school and Junior high school for 20 years. The thing he was most proud of was when one of his player described him as a "Molder of men instilling not only athletic skills but also character and integrity."

He is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Frankie "Jean" McClain and his brother, Joe Wayne McClain.

He is survived by his two sons, Mike McClain & Ronnie McClain & daughter-in-law, Lyla McClain, his granddaughter, Shelby McClain and his sister in law, Cindy Shriver.

A visitation for Bill will be held Wednesday, December 15, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119. A funeral service will be Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Memphis Funeral Home. The committal service will follow the service at Pleasant Site Cemetery in McNairy county. The services are open for the public but will also be streamed Facebook Live on the Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens Facebook page.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the McClain family.

  • FAMILY

  • Sallie and Glen McClain, Parents (deceased)
  • Frankie "Jean" McClain, Wife of 53 years (deceased)
  • Joe Wayne McClain, Brother (deceased)
  • Mike McClain & Ronnie McClain, Sons
  • Lyla McClain, Daughter-in-law
  • Shelby McClain, Granddaughter
  • Cindy Shriver, Sister-in-law