One life that touched many

More than 100 people from throughout the community filed into the pews of Union Baptist Church last Saturday morning to honor the life and legacy of neighborhood hero, William Alexander McCain. McCain, died on Feb. 11 from complications of a rare disease known as cardiac amyloidosis. For nearly 50 years McClain, who was known throughout the community as “Mr. Bill,” dedicated his resources, time, and energy, to uplifting youth who needed it most. No matter if it was through his AAU basketball team, his work at the Boys and Girls Club, the Housing Authority of Winston-Salem (HAWS), the after-school program, his nonprofit G.I.D.E. (Guiding Institute For Developmental Education), or his entertainment production company, Mr. Bill touched the lives of countless young people.  When asked what kind of person McClain was, everyone I spoke with described a man who had a fervent desire to inspire disadvantaged youth to become responsible and productive members of the community. McClain had a gift for taking activities like basketball, music, or even homework, and using it to teach real life lessons. Toya Evans, a teacher at Ashley Elementary School, said McClain gave her her first job when she was only 14 years old. Evans, who...