William "Bill" Broach McLemore

William Broach McLemore, known fondly as Bill to his family and friends, passed away on November 8, 2025, at the age of 75. Born in Meridian, Mississippi, on July 15, 1950, Bill lived a life marked by curiosity, compassion, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the world around him.

Bill graduated from Clinton High School and attended Mississippi State University. A lifelong learner, he read voraciously—not novels, but non-fiction works, science books, encyclopedias, and dictionaries. He had an insatiable hunger for knowledge that far exceeded his formal education.

He had a great love for music and found joy in listening to his stereo behind closed doors. His favorite artists included The Vanilla Fudge, Harry Chapin, Cat Stevens, Santana, and The Rolling Stones—though he cherished music in nearly every form. He also loved tennis and was always eager to discuss the game, whether he was playing or watching. He was an avid Mississippi State University fan and tried never to miss a televised football game. He knew the players, the coach, and the scores. However, his greatest fascination was the United States' space program. He knew the history of every Space Shuttle program and often dreamed of traveling to the stars on one of them.

In his early twenties, Bill was diagnosed with schizophrenia, a condition that shaped much of his adult life. Though he faced many challenges, Bill never lost the warmth in his heart or the light in his smile. In the last 15 years of his life, with the help of effective treatment, he was able to reconnect more fully with his family, others, and the world that intrigued him. His kind spirit, generous compliments, and cheerful greetings endeared him to his family, friends, and the staff at his care facility. Bill never met a person he didn’t like and treated everyone he encountered with sincerity and compassion.

Bill is survived by his mother, Doris Gamble; his sisters, Robyn Farrell (Marty), Richelle Putnam (Tim), Cindy McLemore Thomas, and Leslie McLemore Schmidt; and his brother, Jeff Edwards (Kathy), and a multitude of nieces and nephews. He was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.

A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at a later date.

Instead of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Bill’s memory to the National Alliance on Mental Illness – Mississippi (NAMI Mississippi), in support of others living with mental illness. Donate Now | NAMI