Hugh Walker McClure III

Hugh Walker McClure III ATLANTA - The Rev. Dr. Hugh Walker McClure III passed away on April 24, 2013, surrounded by his family. He was born in Washington, N.C. on April 11, 1931, to Hugh and Lucile Johnson McClure of Albany, Ga. He and his sister, Marilyn, were predeceased by an older infant sister, Mary. A 1947 graduate of Atlanta's North Fulton High School, Dr. McClure subsequently graduated Summa Cum Laude from junior college at Georgia Military Academy (now Woodward Academy) in College Park, Ga. in 1949. He received his bachelor's degree in 1951 from the University of Florida where he played varsity basketball and was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. In 1954, he graduated Summa Cum Laude from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Ga., and was awarded a Doctorate of Divinity degree from Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C. in 1972. In 1953, Hugh married Beverly Anne Cason at Gordon Street Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. They would have been married 60 years in August. They were blessed with three daughters, Mary Anne Brewer (Jerry) of Columbia, S.C., Beth Blumer (Fred) of Atlanta, Ga., and Nancy Law of Delray Beach, Fla. The highlight of their lives together was their family, especially their five grandchildren, John Walker Brewer of Columbia, S.C., Cason Brewer King (Nick) of Charlotte, N.C., Thomas McClure Brewer of Columbia, and Elizabeth Lynn Blumer and Frederick Tanner Blumer, Jr. both of Atlanta. He and Beverly sought to be constantly involved in their lives, not missing special events or activities. One of their favorite gifts to the entire family was to take everyone on a yearly vacation. They saw this family time together, away from daily routines, as the highlight of the year. Dr. McClure was ordained as a minister in the Presbyterian Church in 1954. He served churches in Villa Rica, Ga., Wetumpka, Ala., Newport News, Va., Columbia, S.C., and Beaver, Penn. Although he retired in 1996, he continued to serve Christ and His church in many capacities. People and the Word of God were central to him, and he continually made time to comfort, advise, and nurture others in the faith. He was always generous to those in need. Dr. McClure served in senior leadership positions in the Presbyterian Church US on the Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly levels, and was also a member of the Board of Directors of Thornwell Home and School for Children in Clinton, S.C. He co-authored the modern version of the Westminster Confession of Faith, now in its 4th Edition. Dr. McClure was known to the members of his various congregations and to his peers in the ministry as a devout defender of the "Reformed Faith" and the inerrancy of the Bible. He was an avid fan of all sports, and a devoted husband, father and grandfather. A memorial service celebrating his life and Christian faith will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 29, 2013, at the First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, S.C. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in honor of Dr. McClure to First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion Street, Columbia, S.C. 29201. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.