Billy Wilson McClard, 91
Billy Wilson McClard, age 91, of Lafayette, TN went home to be with the Lord on February 15, 2012 at NHC Place Cool Springs in Franklin. A native of Macon County, he was the only child of the late Clarence and Nallie (Porter) McClard. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two infant children, William and Susan McClard.
He was married to the former Jean Harris, who survives and has been by his side for over 62 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Cynthia Ann McClard of Brentwood, and “beloved daughters” Jennie Smith Pegg and Laura Smith Hendrix. He graduated from Lafayette High School in Macon County and attended U. T. Junior College at Martin and TN Tech. In 1948, he graduated from the University Of Tennessee College Of Pharmacy where he was a member of Kappa Psi Fraternity. He was on active duty during the invasion of Normandy in North France, landing on Omaha beach on D plus one on June 7, 1944 as Medical Sergeant Chief of Section 673 with the 38th field artillery battalion. He was honorably discharge on July 12, 1945. During the war, he went from Omaha Beach to Pilsen, Czechoslovakia where his unit met up with the Russians when the Germans surrendered.
He owned and operated McClard’s Drugs in Lafayette for 47 1/2 years. He served as Director of Citizens Bank and served on many committees from 1958 to 2005. He was Vice President of the Citizens Bancorp from 1986 until 2005. He was a charter member and former President of the Lafayette Rotary Club, former President of Macon County U. T. Alumni Association, and former Director of Tri County Electric Membership Co-Op. He was inducted into the Macon County Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his skills in the game of football. Anyone who knew “Bill” knew he was an avid University of Tennessee sports fan. He was a member of the Lafayette First Baptist Church. The family sends a special thanks to Dr. Terri Jerkins and loving caregivers, ReShena Barnes, Barbara Barnes and Marilyn Branhan. Funeral Services for Billy W. McClard were conducted on Saturday, February 18, at 10 a.m. from the Lafayette First Baptist Church with Reverend Eric S. Hinson officiating. Interment, with Military Honors, followed in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery on Lebanon Road in Nashville at 1:30PM. Directors of Citizens Bank and Former Employees of McClard’s Drugs served as Honorary Pallbearers. Don Traylor, Joe Carter, Jerry Pegg, Bill Hendrix, Randy Gilmore, Bryan Morgan, & Peter Williston served as Active Pallbearers.
The family requests memorials be made to the Billy W. McClard Scholarship Fund in care of Macon County Education Foundation at Citizens Bank , P.O. Box 100, Lafayette, TN 37083 or to the Lafayette First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 564, Lafayette, TN 37083. Donations can be made either directly or at the funeral home. ANDERSON & SON FUNERAL HOME, Directors.
