William "Bill" Kirby Mcpherson

William “Bill” Kirby McPherson

Funeral services for William “Bill” Kirby McPherson, 66, of Lindsay, are set for 2:00 PM Monday, January 8, 2018 at the First Christian Church with the Rev. Mark Loewen officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home. A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 7, 2018, from 2:00-4:00 PM at the funeral home.

Bill was born on June 6, 1951, in Gainesville to Clark and Jean (Lemon) McPherson. He passed away on January 3, 2018, at his home.

Graduating from Gainesville High in 1969, Bill went on to college to major in photojournalism at East Texas State University and tooled jewelry up until his death. His primary occupation was construction, working with BJ Company (Gainesville) for 23 years, yielding over 50 structures in and around Cooke County. In the late 1970’s, Bill worked for Showco/Dallas, and enjoyed the life of being behind the rock ‘n roll scenes, building stage sets and lighting structures for Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Led Zepplin, Peter Frampton, ELO, The Who, and countless more. Quite the color was added in these years, but the depth of Bill’s life was yet to come.

Bill began his family in 1980 when he married the love of his life, Margaret Burkhart. To their marriage, two children were born -- Ashley and Matt, born in 1986 and 1990. Upon Margaret’s passing in 1999, Bill’s steadfast devotion to raise their children was his first priority and a blessing to witness.

In addition to his family and dogs, Bill loved his church. A lifelong member of First Christian Church, Bill was a elder for 21 years, and a deacon for 13 years prior. He held chairmanships of the general board, elders, and several committees. His competitive spirit during the annual Coats for Kids Chili Throwdown not only won his team, The Greybeards, the coveted “Best Chili” award several years, but it was one with which to be dealt and conquered. Some believe and fear the best chili recipe is with Bill forevermore.

Bill is survived by his daughter Ashley Elizabeth Rayner and her husband, Paul, of Denton; son, Matt McPherson, of Lindsay; grandson, Lucas Rayner; sister, Vicki Curry, and her husband, Bruce, of Allentown, PA.; and sister, Cheryl Wheelock, of Austin. His church will always remember his loving sense of humor, dedicated service, and his Sponge Bob tie.

Bill was preceded in death by his his beautiful wife, Margaret, and loving parents, Jean and Clark McPherson.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church of Gainesville “Coats for Kids”.