William Jefferson McLauchlin

William “Big Will” Jefferson McLauchlin, 55, gave his last breath on Thursday, January 5, 2023, in Roswell, NM. He passed on his own terms and at home with family and love. William was born on July 3, 1967, to Frank and Martha McLauchlin in Charleston SC. He enlisted in the United States Army, 10th Mountain division. He lived his life on his own terms, good or bad. His motorcycle was more than just a way to get around, it was a lifestyle he embraced fully. Will rode his motorcycle from North Carolina to New Mexico 15 years ago on February 13, 2008. He worked at Alianza of New Mexico doing prevention, harm reduction, education and outreach for the select clientele. He was a Chair member for the CPAG program for prevention and harm reduction. He was loved by all who worked with him. Will did not have biological children of his own however he was a father figure and mentor to his stepchildren and all children who loved him. He was a protector of children. Will eventually moved to Ruidoso and lived beside his friend Heather Sigman. He flourished there and in Carrizozo NM and made many friends that were family to him as well. Will would give you the shirt off his back. He was generous with anything he had. He was there for you at the drop of a hat when you needed him most. He loved to watch westerns especially John Wayne movies. New Mexico was his wild west; Lincoln County, Billy the Kid. Will was a big man in spirit, heart, and personality, not to mention his size. His eyes would crinkle when he would giggle, and he roared when he laughed. He had rhythm when he danced. He was quick on his feet and ever so strong. He was artistic and creative. He liked being “off the grid.” He was a Jack of all trades and master of most. It was very important to him to teach the young ones life skills so they would be prepared for what life brought their way. Some of us adults learned a thing or two along the way as well. Those left to eternally treasure and cherish his memory are his sisters, Heather Harrison and Lisa McLauchlin. His nephews Zachary and Seth Harrison and niece Serenity Harrison. He was a father figure and mentor to Brandy Rhea Bell, Rodney Bell, Mia Messier-Leos, and Molly Jane Bell. He will be missed by his friends including Josh Hammond, Matt and Dena Patterson and their children, April Kessler and her children, Kathleen Freebird, Debi Peterman, Jessica and Brad Clayton, John Legg, Joan Strickland, Andy Scifres, Ricky Sigman and many others including Ruby Leos, his ex-partner, who had the honor of taking care of him in his time of need till he took his last breath. Will is preceded in death by his father Frank Walter McLauchlin, his mother Martha McLauchlin (Mace), his uncle Jon Ed Mace, his stepson Todd, his daughter Brandy Rhea Bell, Heather Sigman, Willie Leos and his partner in crime, Jeff Hammond. He would have wanted to send sincere thanks to Kindred Hospice, his nurse Chelsea, Ambercare, his nurse Dolly, and Cassie Carrillo. Thanks to Tommy and Joshua Hill for praying with him when they would come to visit. Josh, Matt, and Andy for helping him move his belongings back to Roswell, taking care of loose ends, loving him and praying with him. April for making the best Jam that he enjoyed so much and her daughter for making her peach cobbler which he loved. Dena for always checking up on him. Ricky Sigman for her patience while she was dealing with her own loss. Thank you to the Leos family for supporting him and loving him in his final days and years before. He was always part of the family (when a 91-year-old woman with dementia asked about him daily you know he was something special). Cathi Mulcahy for making his request of posole and tamales. Anne Patterson for making sure he laid in clean linen in his final hours of life. Per Will’s wishes, there will be no funeral services at this time. There will be a Memorial Service in April that will be announced at a later date once details have been worked out. Get your motorcycles ready! Please take a moment and share a kind thought or memory with Will’s family at www.andersonbethany.com

William Jefferson McLauchlin

July 3, 1967 - January 5, 2023