Obituary of William Lew McLain

William Lew McLain, age 69, of Kennesaw, GA passed away peacefully at his home in Kennesaw on Sunday, April 26, 2020. Born to William L. and Elizabeth J. McLain in Coral Gables, FL, “Bill” was an extraordinary man who led an extraordinary life, full of unique experiences and an abundance of love. His passion for sports, coupled with his exceptional talent, led him to great success in athletics, beginning with his position as star quarterback for his high school football team in Hialeah. He then received a full scholarship to play football at the University of Houston. After a severe concussion ended his football career, he remarkably transitioned his scholarship to earn a starting position as a switch-hitting first baseman for the Cougars. After college, Bill was given the opportunity to play professional baseball but chose instead to pursue a career that would prove to be nothing short of remarkable. Bill served in the United States Secret Service from 1973 through 1995, over 20 years spent working in the Presidential Protection Unit and traveling the world. After retiring in 1995, he was hired to work in the executive security division of Home Depot and later created the William McLain Foundation, a non-profit entity established to educate the public about our nation’s fallen heroes through video tributes, for which he was awarded the World Safe Humanitarian Award. Bill’s hobbies included traveling, playing golf, gardening, and picture framing. Of all his many accomplishments in life, Bill’s most cherished was his role as husband to his beautiful wife Pat and father to his beloved daughter Kelly. An accomplished man who remained humble and kind, Bill was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, and friend and will be deeply missed. He is survived by his mother Elizabeth McLain, his wife of over 42 years Patricia McLain, daughter Kelly McLain, sisters Janet Erwin and Joyce Sheffield, and brother Keith McLain. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2020, 10:00AM, at Highland Memorial Park in Ocala, FL. Social distancing will be observed.  Visit https://youtu.be/zgEGUqxCSKA for more information.

Arrangements are being handled by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 SE Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 629-7171. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hiers-baxley.com.