William Harold McPherson II

William “Mac” Harold McPherson II died peacefully with his family at his side on April 13, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on July 28, 1938, Mac lived a life full of creativity and reinvention, wearing many hats both literally and figuratively in his lifetime. His many careers and passions spanned the gamut of talents from ballet dancer to advertiser to campaign manager to teacher and professor to poet and writer to radio host to creative director to chef to cordwainer. His family and friends enjoyed hearing his many stories, watching him joust as a knight, savoring the delicious meals he prepared, listening to him share his poetry, and being entertained by his madrigal performances. He truly seized the moments of his life and passed that passion on to those around him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Kim McPherson, his children Heather (David) Goodrich, James McPherson, his grandchildren Greyson and Graham Goodrich, and his nephew Glen (Carmen) Chipman and niece Rachel (Steve) Brenkle. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Russell Lowell McPherson and Ella McPherson, and his sister, Darlene “Jeanne” Chipman.

Mac will be remembered for the inspiration he provided to so many, the verve with which he lived his life, and the indelible mark he has left on all who knew him. Services will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church (3243 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN) on May 17 at 10:30 AM. Reception to follow.