William Gentry McLean

William Gentry McLean, 49, of Stanley, NC passed away unexpectedly on March 11, 2025, while on a family vacation.  William’s laughter, kindness, and generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of love, service, and dedication to family will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.  

William was born in Rowland, NC, to William "Bill" McLean and Sara Katherine "Kay" McLean. He was a devoted husband, loving father, close-knit brother, and cherished friend, known for his enthusiasm, deep faith, and love of life.

A 1999 graduate of Campbell University, William earned his degree in Trust Management alongside an MBA. During his time at Campbell, he was a proud member of the university's baseball team from 1994 to 1998, a sport that remained one of his great passions throughout his life. After graduation, he was the Assistant Head Coach for Pfeiffer University Baseball.  William built a successful career in the financial industry, most recently serving as Senior VP, Trust Market Manager; Wealth and Planning Specialist, at First National Bank. Prior to this role, William held positions at World Gym, Wachovia, Wells Fargo, and SunTrust, where he demonstrated a deep commitment to both his professions and his community.

William’s greatest joy, however, was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Holly Walker McLean, whom he married on December 6, 2003. Together, they shared 21 wonderful years of marriage, filled with love, adventure, and countless memories. William was also the proud father of their two children, William "Will" Walker, age 12, and Erin Elizabeth, age 7, whose lives were enriched by his boundless energy and devotion.

He is also survived by his mother, Kay McLean of Rowland, NC; his brother, Alexander “Lee” McLean, and his wife Lauren of Wilmington, NC; his father-in-law, Lewis L. Walker of Charlotte, NC; his sister-in-law, Leah Walker, and her husband Larry Misner of Matthews, NC; his brother-in-law, Kent Walker, and his wife Annette of Conover, NC; and numerous extended family members, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, William “Bill” McLean, and his mother-in-law, Barbara Y. Walker.

In addition to his family, William had a variety of passions that brought him joy. He was deeply involved in his children’s sports activities, coaching baseball, softball, and basketball for the Stanley Recreation Department for several years. William was a dedicated member of the Golden Eagle tribe at Camp Timberlake for Boys, sharing the experience with his son. William attended First United Methodist Church in Gastonia, where he participated in the Faith Matters Sunday School class. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he shared it with others through his involvement in his church and community. He was also a member of the Board of Advisors for the Campbell Trust Education Foundation. He had a lifelong love of magic, being an active member of the Sleight Club for magicians in Charlotte. His love for fitness, travel, golf, shopping, and spending time with his friends was always evident, but above all, his greatest love was his family.

A service to honor William’s life will be held at University Hills Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC on March 22, 2025 at 2pm. Visitation to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Merri-Mac Foundation, 1123 Montreat Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711, a nonprofit organization providing tuition assistance for children to attend Christian summer camps in Western NC, established by Camp Timberlake and Camp Merri-Mac staff, parents, and alumni. Both Camp Timberlake and Camp Merri-Mac held a special place in William’s heart, having been a beloved counselor in his youth, and both camps continue to be meaningful to his children as campers.