A Life Well Lived: September 29, 1937-July 24, 2025

Read his obituary.

Thank you for your interest in supporting The Muse Writers Center in honor of William O. McClure. As we all know, Bill was an unspeakably great teacher, mentor, and scientific researcher, as well as a true friend to thousands. He didn't just touch people's lives, he profoundly affected those he loved. And his love knew no bounds.

The Muse is honored that Bill's family has asked that memorial donations be made to us in his honor. Founded in 2004 by one of Bill's dear friends, Michael Khandelwal, The Muse has grown into one of the nation’s largest creative writing and literary centers. We exist to help anyone seize the chance to live life more fully, more meaningfully, and more successfully through the power of words and written language. We truly believe that expressing yourself changes everything.

The growth and reach of The Muse is largely due to Bill McClure's commitment, guidance, and generous support, which has enabled us to offer so much more than most other literary nonprofits.

In the past three years, we provided artistic enrichment to more than 45,000 people through the literary arts and creative writing in more than 2,300 classes, free public events, and free outreach programs.

Each year, we give out more than $28,000 in tuition assistance and scholarships to nearly 600 students each year, and 4 college scholarships. We never turn anyone away due to their financial situation.

Our youth program opened the doors for nearly 4,500 young writers with free classes, groups, and events in the past 3 years, including those in detention and group homes.

We reached more than 1,300 active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and their families and caregivers on bases and in the community from 2022-2024, and we’ve already added more programs this year, especially those that use literary arts as a healing tool for trauma.

Our expanding program for seniors living in memory care, assisted living, and nursing care reached nearly 1,300 older adults since 2022. This program is booming, as we add more facilities to our roster.

And in the past 3 years, The Muse served more than 6,000 persons through community outreach and Words for Wellness program (which integrates the innate benefits of creative writing with wellness practices) at area libraries, community events, The Brock Cancer Center, children's hospitals, homeless shelters, YWCA emergency shelters, and many more.

Thank you again for your donation in honor of our dear friend, Bill McClure.

NOTE: We are rebuilding our website, and if you encounter any issues making a donation, please email or call our executive director, Michael Khandelwal, at michael@the-muse.org, or 757-793-7857 (personal cell) and he will help.

The Muse Writers Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and your donation is tax deductible as allowed by law.