of Conway, AR

June 18, 1984 - December 26, 2025

William Christopher McPherson, age 41, of Conway, Arkansas, left this mortal life on December 26, 2025. He was born on June 18, 1984, in Mobile, Alabama, the son of Hal and Donna McPherson.

Though born in Alabama, Virginia is the place he called home and lived for a majority of his youth before graduating there from Lakeland High School in Suffolk. As the oldest brother of three, he spent much of this time supporting his family in a variety of ways while his own father served in the United States Navy. He and his family were heavily involved in their local church life, and Will spent many summers volunteering at Camp Hope Haven, a summer camp for disadvantaged kids. He spoke fondly of his years at the camp where he served as a Senior Counselor, Camp Devotional Leader, and Maintenance Staff.

In his early adulthood, he pursued a life of ministry. During his undergraduate experiences at the University of Mobile, he worked as a Residential Assistant and for SGA Admin Affairs. In 2008, he acted as the Co-Founder and Leader of Vision and Directions for The New Orleans Project (TNOP), a volunteer student ministry formed with the assistance of his friend Sara (Kebrdle) Mayes. Through this ministry, the TNOP team sought to befriend the homeless and bring love and healing to people of New Orleans, also seeking to address needs after Hurricane Katrina. In 2010, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies and Humanities.

Following his graduation, he returned home to his family who had relocated to Northern Alabama and helped them in a time of need. During this time he began graduate work with Liberty University through distance education. Will was a deep thinker and a strong advocate. His early theological studies led him on an honest continual journey of discovery regarding humanity, faith, and truth.

As he grappled with the mystery of this world, he chose his paths with integrity, humility, and authenticity. In 2012, he met his wife Candice (Youngblood) McPherson and found a devoted partner to navigate the mysteries with him. He moved to Arkansas to be near her and worked as a Sales/Shipping Associate for LifeWay Christian Resources. They married on a beautiful day in March 2013 in the New Orleans French Quarter, a place special to both of them.

In that same year, Will graduated with his Master of Divinity in Missional Studies. He continued searching his heart and soul for where to best serve. From 2015 to 2017, he contributed to the early formation of The Conway Ministry Center as a volunteer Director of Public Relations and Promotion. From there, he worked in a variety of capacities as a Multi-Purpose Lay Minister ultimately becoming a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church along with his wife. The two loved road trips together, the best part being the deep and interesting conversations they had that made the miles pass by in a blink. They drove to visit friends and family near and far. One of their fondest and biggest road trips took them out West to the Grand Canyon with a longer stop in Albuquerque, an experience that showed them an incredible and surprising beauty and peace of the desert.

His later pursuits as a writer and aspiring author characterized his continued grappling with faith and hope in a world determined to crush it. Will was an avid reader and gamer who also loved creative world-building. Evenings with friends telling stories, discussing deep thoughts, and exploring new games were some of his most enjoyable activities. He felt a deep desire to find answers and healing in the world. He took notice of the marginalized and oppressed, and he demonstrated strong discernment and open honesty.

Above all, Will was a loving husband, son, brother, father, and friend. He leaves his legacy of love with his wife Candice (41); their son Kieran (3); his parents Donna (61) and Hal (62) of Athens, AL; brothers Ian (Stephen) Spann (37) of Dickson, TN and Erin (Kayla) McPherson (35) of Athens, AL; along with a multitude of extended family and friends. Will deeply loved his family and friends. So many of them stepped forward and surrounded him in ways big and small with support throughout his illness this past year.

A memorial service will be Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. at the St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Conway, Arkansas with Father Jason Alexander officiating. A reception will follow the service. Arrangements entrusted to Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/donate.html

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
650 Central Landing Blvd.
Conway, AR  72032
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com