W.R. Mac McClure

William Robert "Mac" McClure, 88, of Old Haw Creek Road, died Saturday, June 28, 2014, at Mission Hospital. Mr. McClure was born in Haywood County to the late Glenn R. and Mary Garrett McClure and was also preceded in death by a brother, Spellman G. McClure and sisters, Mildred McClure Buchanan and Mary Katherine Stephens. He was a graduate of Waynesville Township High School and served in the U.S. Navy for 32 months during WWII in the Pacific, Pearl Harbor and China. He attended school at the Northwestern University Traffic Institute studying principles of traffic management, supervision of police personnel, and analysis and uses of traffic data, as well as the NC Community College of Raleigh in computerized speed detection. He retired after 34 years service with the NC Highway Patrol. He was of the Methodist faith and in 1971 he was given the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by then Governor, Robert W. Scott. He was a member of the NC State Employees Association for over 50 years, a member of the American Legion Post #2, and VFW Post 391 for over 35 years. Also, he was a member of the NC Highway Patrol Retirees Association, the Retired Government Employees Association, the Buncombe Co. Democrat Mens Club, Fraternal Order of Police, Biltmore Lodge 446 Free and Accepted Masons, Scottish Rite of Free Masons and Valley of Asheville 32nd Master Masons. Surviving are his wife of 68 years, Natalie Jean McClure; brother, Edwin McClure of Johnson City, TN; niece, Marianne Cagle, nephew, Charles Robert "Bobby" Stephens, and several nieces and nephews. At his request, no services are scheduled at this time and will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting with the arrangements.