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
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14 Condolence(s)
Laura G Cottingim
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
I'm sending you love and grace from New Orleans. I am so thankful that I was there for you at just the right moment. Hug your pillow, wrap yourself in a comfy blanket and know that you are not alone. You devoted so much loving energy and support to Will over these past months. Please know that we share your grief and will be here for you always. Love to Donna, Hal and the rest of Will's family. Peace be with you all.
Richard Green
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Candice,
My heartfelt prayers and condolences are with You, Kieran and Family during this tremendous loss. Your deep connection with your husband was evident to all who knew you, especially as you battled the illness that took his life. You can be assured that Will is in Our Lord's loving arms. I am profoundly sorry for your loss and am here for you if ever needed. May Will Rest in Peace and Our Lord provide You with comfort and understanding.
John 3:16, Revelation 21:4, Matthew 5:4
Wanda/Johnny Walker
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
My heart is broken ðŸ'", and I am sure your pain has just begun. My sister has had much pain, but none like this. Donna, we are praying for comfort for you and your family. As a mother myself, I can't imagine. As a wife, I cannot say that I understand what Candice is going through, but I know that our Heavenly Father will help us and comfort us. Hugs and love are coming to y'all from Citronelle. Not enough, but all that we have. Love
Karen Burgin
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Candace my heart breaks for you and your little boy, but I am so glad that you and Will found each other and experienced memories that you will have always! May God bless you and give you strength and comfort! Love to you Karen Burgin.
Felicia Howell Graf
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Sending love and prayers to you all. I am so sorry for your loss of Will and pray God Sends you each a peace that only he can provide. Love you all!
Candra Barnett
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Will was the best home church leader. Full of grace and wisdom. Praying for all his family, and for Candice and Kieran in particular!
Lory Horne
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
I wish we could get to the funeral, however our circumstances forbid. We are with you all in the Spirit of the Living God. We look forward to spending eternity with him in our heavenly paradise. Much love to all.
John McElwee
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Will was a great friend in college at the University of mobile you will be missed my friend. You are always smiling and love the Lord with all your heart soul and mind.
Lisa Bailey Dail
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you and your sweet little boy, and I pray you feel surrounded by comfort, strength, and peace in the days ahead. I am holding you close in my thoughts and prayers, now and always.
Laura Burris
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Candice and Family,
I am so sorry for the grief you are going through. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Although we struggle with the things that the Lord gives and takes away, you can find peace in knowing that for all things there is a reason and, yes, it is most always beyond our understanding. I pray for peace in your heart throughout the days that come.
With love and compassion,
Laura.
Becky Belvin
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Candace, You and your precious son, along with all the rest of your family, are in my thoughts and prayers. God has you in His Big, Loving arms.
Jim Atkinson
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
I enjoyed the time spent with Will, he was a gentle soul. I will be praying for his family!
May the Lord grant comfort as only He can.
Blessings and love!
Jim Atkinson
Victoria
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
My dad , Jimmie and Hal are 1st cousins.
Cindy Howell
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Sending love and prayers to the family.