William Edward McClurg

William Edward McClurg, 96 of Akron, New York, moved to his eternal home to live with the Jesus he loved on Saturday, May 1, 2021.  He was born on March 12, 1925 in Canandaigua, NY, a son of the late William R. and Ellen McClurg.

Bill joined the Navy when he was 17 and he heroically served his country for 4 years as a gunner on the USS Santee Air Craft Carrier during WWII.  When he returned home he married his beloved wife of 75 years, Elizabeth (Steen) McClurg.

Bill went to school to become an auto mechanic but later felt the call from God to become a minister. Bill and Liz packed up their 4 children and moved to Stockton, CA to attend Bible School. They moved back to Western New York where He shared the love of Jesus with EVERYONE he met.

Bill and his children began a gospel group, The McClurg Family Singers and traveled for 17 years singing up and down the east coast. His musical legacy lives on through his grandsons, Brothers McClurg. Bill worked as minister of evangelism and visitation for Evangel Assembly of God in Williamsville, NY. He served the church and community from 1979 until he finally retired at the age of 90. His spiritual legacy and passion for serving Jesus lives on through the lives of all of his children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren and the thousands of people he touched throughout his life.

Bill (Happy Pappy) NEVER missed an opportunity to share the Gospel; at the gas pump, in an elevator, at the city mission, in a nursing home, or on a hospital visit. He always had his guitar slung over his shoulder and was ready with a song to sing, a Bible verse to encourage, a warm smile on his lips and a story to tell about the love and faithfulness of Jesus.

He was a humble, sweet and gentle man who is rejoicing with the angels around the throne of His precious Savior.

He is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Elizabeth Steen McClurg. Children, William D. (Phyllis) McClurg, Marsha (Douglas) Smith, Martha (Robert) Summers and Mary (Anthony) Hoisington. Sister, Martha Alger. 11 grandchildren, William W., Richard, Joel, Amanda, Jared, Andrea, Cheryl, Laurie, Anthony, Christopher. Also survived by 34 great-grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his sister, Ellen Fousel; grandson, Aaron Colletti and great-grandsons, Jacob Colletti and Judah Colletti

Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family with burial in the Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Brothers McClurg, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY 14001. Ronald Konieczny II, Director.