Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1942
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
William McPherson Obituary
February 27, 1942 - June 17, 2019
Durham
William Vann McPherson, Jr. died June 17, 2019, at Duke University Hospital following complications from pneumonia. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kathryn Davenport McPherson; son William Vann McPherson III; daughter Margaret Davenport McPherson Weir and son-in-law Richard Weir IV; and two granddaughters, Tabor and Kit, who brought him infinite joy. He is also survived by three brothers, Hugh Odell McPherson, Thomas Lee McPherson, James Robert McPherson, and their wives; brother-in-law Stephen Clinton Brown, Jr.; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Bill was born in Wilmington on February 27, 1942, to William Vann and Lois McPherson. His parents preceded him in death, as did his sister-in-law, Jane Davenport Brown. Bill proudly grew up in and spent his formative years in the marshland of Pamlico County, before moving to Durham and graduating from Northern High School. He received a B.A. in History from Duke University, where he was an Angier B. Duke Scholar, served as an editor of The Chronicle and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. Bill received his J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law, where he was Articles Editor of the Law Review and a member of the Order of the Coif. Bill served in the United States Marine Corps and was a lawyer with U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program (Tax Division) in Washington, D.C. Until his death, Bill was a partner in McPherson, Rocamora, Nicholson, Wilson & Hinkle, PLLC in Durham, the trust and estates law firm he founded. Bill was a proud member of the North Carolina Bar Association, the United States Supreme Court Bar, and The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. He was a faithful member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Durham, where he twice served as senior warden of the vestry.
Visitation will be held at Hall-Wynne Funeral Home on Thursday, June 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Durham, on Friday, June 21 at 1 p.m. For those wishing to make a donation in Bill's memory, please consider directing them to the Shepherd Center for Brain & Spinal Injuries in Atlanta, Georgia, or St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Durham.
The McPherson family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com; select obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William McPherson
Sponsored by Hall-Wynne Funeral Service & Crematory - Durham.
6 Entries
June 20, 2019
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)
Nina Cannon
June 20, 2019
My sincere condolences to Bill's family. Bill was a zealous advocate for me and my mother and I am glad he handled our case. It was great to watch how much he enjoyed his work and the personal satisfaction he got from a job well done. I enjoyed wit and humor and he will be remembered fondly.
June 19, 2019
In Loving Memory of a wonderful brother, uncle, and family friend
Jim, Jeanie, Rachel, Paul, Tiffanie, Darren, Audra, and Dave
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in William McPherson's name
Memorial Events
for William McPherson
Jun
20
Visitation
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Hall-Wynne Funeral Service & Crematory - Durham1113 W. Main St, Durham, NC 27701
Funeral services provided by:
Hall-Wynne Funeral Service & Crematory - Durham1113 W. Main St, Durham, NC 27701
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William McPherson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
