William G. McClain

William G. (Bill) McClain was born in Austin on July 11, 1924 and passed from this life on September 6, 2015 at the age of 91. Bill had a love and caring for others, which guided his life and was a gift to all those who were fortunate enough to be blessed by his goodness. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Bill was a fighter pilot in World War II, serving as a First Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps from 1944-1946. When he returned from Germany, Bill married the love of his life, Janelle Walker on August 31, 1946. Bill and Janelle shared 69 wonderful years, traveling and playing bridge with friends during their retirement.

He graduated from The University of Texas in 1950 and was a lifelong Longhorn fan, attending almost every home football game from 1946 until his health no longer permitted. Even then he sported his Longhorn orange shirt on game days.

Bill was General Manager of Charles Maund Oldsmobile and Cadillac, retiring in 1983. During his years in the car business, Bill made many friends who continued to seek his advice and counsel for decades after his retirement.

Bill and Janelle were charter members of Austin Baptist Church, attending Sunday School and Church every week with their Church family.

Bill showered his two daughters with love, Sherry McClain and husband Charles Harrison, and Marla McClain and husband Ed Hamel, all of Austin. He was known as “Da” by his beloved grandchildren, Lindsay Hamm and husband Brian, and Nicole Smith and husband Steve. “Da” was dearly loved by his great grandchildren, the twins named in his honor, Addison McClain Hamm and William Theodore Hamm, and Shelby, Brady and Gracie Smith. He was also a wonderful uncle to many nieces and nephews.

He made us feel special in his presence, and never failed to let each and every one of us know without a doubt how much he loved us. Until the last days of his life, his eyes would light up when he saw us and he would still share a smile or teasing comment. We loved him and our lives will not be quite the same without him.

Bill relished every moment of life, showering us all with his optimism and kindness. “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” Psalm 118:24.

We would like to thank all his caregivers, especially Cynthia Arterberry, for their devoted care.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2015, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Cook Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas 78752. Graveside services will be on Friday, September 11, 2015 at 10:00 AM at Cook-Walden Forest Oaks Cemetery, 6300 West William Cannon, Austin, Texas 78749.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to Austin Baptist Church.

To share condolence with the family, please visit www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.