William McBride Sr.

William McBride, also known as Bill, was born to Mason & Lillie McBride in the year of 1947 in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He was the last child of four: Earl, Mace "June" and Lillie. His family moved to Kansas City, Missouri when he was only 11 years old.

He soon joined Greenwood Missionary Baptist Church and this is where he met the love of his life, Ella They got married on Noveiiiber12, 1966. They had 3 beautiful children together: April, William Jr'/and Theresa ( Albert Shelby). William Sr. was blessed with 9 grandchildren: Tarwiyah, Asante, Justus, Array, Miles, Nissan, Eloi, Albert. Najah: and 2 great-grandchildren.

He was a dedicated worker throughout his life but most importantly he loved the Lord. William Sr. professed his love for Christ at an early age and was baptized in the Bayou in Mississippi. As an adult in Kansas City he became a Deacon of Greenwood Missionary Baptist Church. He also served as the General Sunday School Superintendent for many years and was an active member in the New Era District Association, The Laymens movement, The Male Chorus, and for a short time, was the president of The New Era District Congress of Christian Education. William and his family traveled to the National Congress of Christian Education all over the country for many years.

As much as he loved the Lord, he also loved his family. He deeply enjoyed being around family. So much that he was one of the founding members for the Williams Family Reunion and the first Williams Family Reunion president. He often shared how blessed he felt to watch the reunion grown over the years.

William McBride Sr. leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Ella McBride; son, William McBride Jr.: daughter, Theresa Shelby ( Albert Shelby): 11 grand & great-grandchildren; 3 sister-in-laws: Ruby McBride, Geraldine Anderson, Valadine Rolland; 1 brother-in-law Daniel Richison (Sharron); a host of nieces and nephews. All of his siblings: Earl. Mace "June" and Lillie, parents: Mason & Lillie McBride and daughter, April Strong, proceeded him in death1and you can be sure there is a heavenly family reunion going on right now!