On January 31, 2025, William “Bill” Ford McLaury was peacefully lifted away from this earth, whistling his way into the arms of Jesus. No doubt, he was reciting his favorite Bible verse he said every night, “The Lord is my shepherd…” (Psalm: 23)
Bill was born on February 25, 1935, in Oneonta, N.Y., to parents Stuart Reid and Janette Clark McLaury. He frequently told the stories of his childhood, fondly recalling his best friend, Alva Vanderworker. Alva’s family lived on a dairy farm in Cherry Valley, where Bill would go and enjoy the workings of the farm. It was during these years that Bill fell in love with farm life. When he was nine years old, he witnessed his first magic show at a local county fair. At that moment, the dream of studying magic began. He graduated from the Chavez School of Magic and performed professionally across the United States.
At 18 years old, Bill joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. After 10 years of active service, Bill joined the reserves and completed his duty to our country with over 20 years of service. While serving the U.S. Navy, Bill received two Good Conduct Medals and retired as a First-Class Petty Officer. In 1955, while stationed in Charleston S.C., he met and married the girl of his dreams, Dorothy Carolyn Holder from Hickory, N.C., who was also serving in the Navy. She recalls the friendship they developed first and contributes that as being “what made it work.” While in the Navy, they started their family and were stationed in Charleston, S.C., Kwajalein Atoll, Azores, and finally, Washington D.C.
While serving in the Navy, Bill kept his love of magic alive by performing with Dot and all of their children. It was their first child’s fifth birthday party when “Willy the Clown” was introduced to the world. In the years that followed, Bill performed magic as a magician and a clown, making balloon animals for thousands of people. During this time, a new burger franchise was conducting auditions for a clown mascot. “Willy” won the competition, but they wanted him to change his name to Ronald McDonald, so Bill declined, making Willard Scott the first “Ronald McDonald.” However, if you ever look at the face of Ole Ronald, you may see several similarities to “Willy the Clown!” In 1964, Dot was rushed to a hospital to give birth to her second baby girl. Bill had no time to change clothes, so he had to go to the hospital as “Willy.” “Willy” was stopped by the secret service because former President Dwight Eisenhower was a patient in the hospital. “Willy the Clown” was cleared to go in the hospital, and made a balloon animal for President Eisenhower. The former President wrote “Willy” a letter thanking him for the balloon animal, which has become a cherished keepsake.
It was in 1967 that Bill’s childhood dream came true with the help of his father-in-law, Charles Holder. As a pilot for Broyhill, Charles had flown over farmland in Hiddenite N.C., which he purchased knowing it would bring Bill and Dot “home.” Bill was thrilled to move to the farm. Alongside Dot and their five children, they created their forever home. Their farm life included raising chickens, hogs, cattle, and always having a big garden. Bill recognized the gift of hard work and instilled gratitude and an unmatched work ethic into each of his children. Bill continued to perform his magic and was very active in the community through 4-H. Many people throughout North Carolina remember the school shows that he performed for almost 20 years, wowing his audiences through his magic alongside his love, Dot. The McLaury children were also active performing with their parents. Bill with the “Linking Rings,” Dan with the “Ding-a-ling,” Terry with the “Magic Silks,” Kimberly through her “Dancing Cane” and Bruce with assisting and prop set-up. Bruce also brought Bill and Dot out of retirement to perform many more shows together as the Magical McLaurys.
Bill had many magical achievements. He wrote two editions of his book, “The Encyclopedia of Escapes.” He wrote articles for Linking Ring, and Genii magazines, (a magazine for magicians), and Bill was featured on the cover of The Linking Ring magazine in February of 2007. Bill was a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, reaching Order of Merlin status of Order of Merlin Shield, Order of Merlin Excalibur, and finally Order of Merlin Excelsior. He was also a member of IBM Ring 392.
When Bill and Dot became “empty nesters,” they traveled across the county, joining the arts and crafts mall shows and making many friends along the way. Bill performed and made balloon sculptures while Dot created balloon art. They also adventured out on a cross-country road trip, visiting many states with the highlight of the Magic Castle in Hollywood, Calif. Bill and Dot also enjoyed a trip of a lifetime, traveling across Europe through careful planning of son Bill and wife Pat.
In his final years, Bill fought Alzheimer’s disease, a thief that slowly robbed his beautiful quick-witted mind and his active body, as he was one that never sat still. However, he never lost his smile when family came to visit, especially his love, Dot.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of over 69 years, Dorothy McLaury. Children include William “Bill” (Pat) of Wesley Chapel Fla., Terry McLaury of Blowing Rock, N.C., Kimbery Frye (Scott) of Taylorsville, N.C., and Bruce McLaury (Tammy) of Hiddenite, N.C. His grandchildren include Brian McLaury (Stephanie), Michael McLaury, Satchel Moberg, Melanie Frye, Erin Frye, Haley Reitzel (Kurt), Ashlyn Echerd (Nathan). His great grandchildren include Ellyzabeth McLaury, Freddie McLaury, Piper McLaury, Hayden Frye, Harper Prouty, Aria Echerd, Avett Echerd, and Atlas Echerd. His sisters include Nancy Krall of Morganton, N.C., and Susan Barber (Joe) of Brunswick, Ga. He is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bill was preceded in death by his son, Daniel “Dan” McLaury.
The family will conduct a service of celebration on Saturday, March 29, 2025, with visitation beginning at 11 am and the service to follow at South River Methodist Church in Hiddenite, N.C. The family would like to thank the staff of Hickory Falls Skilled Nursing Facility in Granite Falls, N.C., and Hospice of Caldwell County for the loving care they provided.
Condolences may be sent to www.adamsfunerals.com.
Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to be serving the family of William “Bill” Ford McLaury.