Rayford D McClellan's Obituary
Rayford McClellan, 97 of McKinney, Texas passed away peacefully on July 10 surrounded by family at his daughter’s home. He had lived at Pioneer Ridge Senior Living for the past 7 years, where he enjoyed an active lifestyle.
He was born in Wolfe City, Texas on February 1, 1926 to Herbert and Jewell McClellan, and grew up in the South Sulphur community. In his young years, he experienced farm work, picking cotton, helping in his father’s small country store, but mostly he played domino under the shade of a chinaberry tree, sitting for hours on wooden Coke crates. He attended school in Commerce, where he realized that public education would not serve his plans. He wanted to travel the world. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1944, serving as a medic throughout the South Pacific.
After returning to the states, he met and married Velma McClellan in Camden, S.C. on June 3, l951. Shortly after, He was relocated to Wethersfield, England. While there, he and Velma welcomed a daughter, Marlene. Two years later, the family of 3 moved to Texas on Bergstrom A.F.B. in Austin. After a remote assignment to Morocco, and a short assignment to Lincoln A.F.B., Nebraska, Rayford retired from the USAF after 20 years of service with numerous commendations and letters of appreciation from his commanding officers.
His love for life, family, and friends was unsurpassed. He loved people and people loved him for his witty personality, friendliness, generosity, and ability to make everyone laugh.
He is survived by his daughter, Marlene Clark, son-in-law, Jim, two grandchildren, Jordan, his wife Lauren, and Anna, and one great-grandson, Will. Also, he is survived by one sister, Ruth Ferris, two nephews and one niece.
A celebration of life service will be held at Restland Funeral Home, in the Wildwood Chapel on Monday, July 24, at 2:00.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse or other preferred charity.
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