Mr. Willie McClure Sr.

MCCLURE, Mr. Willie Sr. - Age 79, passed away Thursday, February 12, 2026, at University of Michigan Medical Center- Ann Arbor. Family hour 10:00 AM Monday, February 16, 2026, at Word of Life Christian Church, 460 W. Atherton Rd., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM Pastor Delrico Loyd, Host Pastor, Dr. Willie L. McClure Jr., Eulogist. Entombment Sunset Hills Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at church 10:00 AM Monday. Mr. McClure will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd. and may be viewed from 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM with family present from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM to receive friends. Mr. Willie Leon McClure, Sr., affectionately known as “Big Willie,” was a devoted father, beloved brother, trusted friend, and a man whose strength, humor, and steady presence left a lasting imprint on everyone who knew him. On Thursday, February 12, 2026, God, in His infinite wisdom, called him from earthly labor to eternal rest. Born on January 17, 1947, in Curtis, Arkansas, Willie was the son of the late Robert and Clara (Macon) McClure. Raised in a large and loving family of siblings, cousins, and neighbors, Willie’s early life was rooted in discipline, hard work, and faith. At an early age, Willie accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized at Mt. Friendship Baptist Church in Curtis. After relocating to Flint, he became a member of Heavenly Host Baptist Church. Later, he joined House of Prayer Baptist Church and eventually became a member of Word of Life Christian Church. In 1964, Willie graduated from then-segregated Peake High School in Arkadelphia, AR, continuing the academic legacy of his older siblings. Recognizing his strong analytical mind and natural aptitude for mathematics and mechanics, he pursued technical training in Brick Masonry at the Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical & Normal (AM&N) College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He later furthered his education at C.S. Mott Community College and entered the Millwright Skilled Trades program through General Motors Institute (now known as Kettering). In 1979, he earned certification as a Journeyman Millwright at Flint “Chevy in the Hole.” Known for his ability to interpret complex blueprints and diagnose intricate mechanical failures, Willie developed a reputation as someone who could solve problems others could not. After more than twenty years of dedicated service, he retired in 1991. Yet while his professional accomplishments were significant, Willie’s greatest joy was found in fatherhood and family. Welcoming his youngest son later in life, he embraced that season with patience, wisdom, and intentional presence. He attended every event, volunteered at school functions, and offered steady encouragement throughout each season. The bond they shared grew into one of profound closeness and daily connection. He stood proudly as Best Man at Willie Jr. and Alexis’ wedding, and enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters, Ava Michelle Grace and Averie Leigh. Willie enjoyed life in simple but meaningful ways. He looked forward to his annual wine-making projects, road trips with his brothers back to Arkansas, and gardening. At home, he could rarely resist the opportunity to fix something, whether fully qualified for the repair or not. Armed with determination and confidence, he was often accompanied by his trusted "apprentice," neighbor, and son, Fonda. They would tackle projects with enthusiasm and tenacity, even if it meant learning as they went. Those moments were less about perfection and more about time spent together. Known by his sons as “Daddy,” he possessed a presence that could fill a room. His humor was sharp, his storytelling effortless, and his laughter contagious. He valued family gatherings, good conversation, and maintaining close ties to those who mattered most. He enjoyed hosting holidays and preparing large spreads featuring recipes passed down from his mother, many of which he later shared with his oldest son, Mark of whom he was exceptionally proud. Though thousands of miles away, Daddy trusted Mark to advocate for and elevate the family. The bond he shared with his siblings was rooted in lifelong loyalty and unwavering respect. One of the most treasured relationships of his life was with his sister and best friend, Mattie. Their bond was unshakable. They spoke on the phone regularly, sharing updates, laughter, memories, and encouragement. If one knew something, the other soon would. While his earthly chapter has closed, his love, strength, and devotion will continue in the lives of those who loved him most. Willie leaves to cherish his memory: his children; Mark W. Jackson of West Memphis, AR; Fonda Ray (Tamika Jackson) McClure of Flint, MI; Willie (Alexis) McClure Jr. of Ann Arbor, MI; and Grasa McClure of Davison, MI. He also embraced Lamont Jackson, Tony Jackson, Christopher Hamilton, and Elizabeth Jackson (deceased) as his own and their children He leaves his grandchildren: Crystal (Alan Sr.) Shearon; Monique Jackson; Fonda Ray Jackson, Jr.; Ja'Juan Smith; Tyrone Cox, Jr.; Ava McClure; Averie McClure; Kycair Grandberry; Kymir Grandberry and great-grandchildren: Alexandria Chapman-Isadore; Eldridge Ross; Arianya Ross; Nathan Chapman; Alyssa Chapman Martin; Aubrey Shearon; Alan Shearon Jr.; Kensington Jackson; Declan Jackson; Faith Jackson; and Daylen Wright who all brought immense joy. He is also survived by his beloved sisters, Mattie Bailey of Curtis, AR, and June McClure-Lee of Flint, MI; sisters-in-law, JoAnn McClure of Hot Springs, AR, Mary McClure and Ellie McClure, of Curtis, AR; brother-in-law, Landon Martin, of Flint, MI; mothers of his children, former wife Felicia McClure and Melbra Allen-Jackson; cherished friends Michael Williams, Sam Williams, and Leon Miller; and a host of nieces and nephews too numerous to name but deeply treasured. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Clara McClure; sisters Rosie Norman and Ollie Vera Martin; brothers Joe McClure Sr., James McClure, Robert McClure, Ferman McClure, and Charles McClure; brothers-in-law Paul Bailey, Booker Norman, and Clarence Lee; sister-in-law Ophia McClure; great-grandson Ashton Glover; and dear friends Donald Williams, L.T. Tidwell, and Patricia Moody.

Mr. Willie McClure Sr.

January 17, 1947 - February 12, 2026