Leon McClellan
February 18, 1960 ~ January 26, 2020
Born in:
Buncombe County, NC
Resided in:
Arden, NC
Bobby Leon McClellan, 59, of Arden, spread his wings on January 26, 2020.
Mr. McClellan was a native of Buncombe County and was a son of Donald Leon McClellan (wife, Johnnie) and of the late Barbara Jean McClellan. He was also preceded in death by a son, Justin Leon McClellan, who passed away in 2007.
In addition to his father, Leon is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sheila Crompton McClellan; his beloved dog, Alli; one sister, Belinda McClellan Miller (husband, Chuck); one brother, Tommy McClellan (wife, Wanda), as well as several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Mr. McClellan’s greatest accomplishments were becoming a husband to Sheila and a father to Justin. He was also a proud son, brother and uncle to his family.
He was a 1979 graduate of TC Roberson and played baseball at Montreat College for 2 years. He was the co-captain of the TC Roberson football team and broke many records in yards and touchdowns in his 4 years there. He also was a .500 hitter for the Rams baseball team and made the High School All American team in 1979. Leon continued to play countless numbers of softball games until he was 45 years old, winning many many MVP awards and championships throughout his career. He drove for over 2 million miles accident free for ABF Freight over a 33-year career, before he retired at the age of 57. He was also involved with 2 major movies filmed in Asheville, “MY FELLOW AMERICAN” and ” PATCH ADAMS” where he was the chauffeur for the late James Gardner and the late Robin Williams. He loved old western movies, especially starring John Wayne, who was his icon. Leon also loved riding motorcycles and horses.
A Celebration Of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 1, 2020 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with Pastor Kelvin Moseley officiating. Burial will follow at New Salem Cemetery. Leon’s family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 12:00 until 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Leon’s name to either: Great Beginnings, 10 B Yorkshire Street, Asheville, NC 28803 (memoline: Justin McClellan Scholarship) or to TC Roberson High School, Attn: Donna Green, 250 Overlook Road, Asheville, NC 28803 (memoline: Athletic Department, In Memory of Leon McClellan).
Services
Funeral Service: February 1, 2020 2:00 pm
Room: Chapel
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Burial:
New Salem Cemetery
Rathfarnham Road
Skyland, NC 28776
828-252-3535
Visitation: February 1, 2020 12:00 pm - April 25, 2025 2:00 pm
Room: Chapel
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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Thoughts and prayers for Sheila and family
I am so sorry the family has lost such an amazing man. Regrets that it’s been so long since I’ve seen him. My love and prayers are with you all.
So sorry,
Kevin King
Our thoughts and prayers for strength are with the family during this time.
Rest in Peace Leon. God bless
You are in our thoughts and our hearts. Bob and Darlene Stevens
Prayers to the McClellan family-this is such a huge loss to our community. You have all been a part of our family since high school days. If we can do anything please call on us. Love Sis and Richard
Sheila, Donald, Tommy and Belinda—I am so sorry for the entire McClellan family. There are no words to express the pain and sorrow I feel for you all during this sad time. Remember all the good times shared with family and friends. Love you all, Sis and Richard
Thoughts and prayers for Sheila and Family
Sheila,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember very well the good times we had on those Charlotte race weekends. He was a fun guy to be around and I know he will be missed by all his friends and family. Wishing you comfort and strength in the days ahead.
Sheila, Tommy, Donald – We are so very sorry to hear of Leon’s passing. I felt like you were all family the years Maggie was there and I cherish those days. Praying for all of you and your families. Love you guys – Pam (Christopher) Nolan & Calvin Nolan.
Keeping the family in my prayers
Leon you were my oldest best friend and mentor I love you more than words could ever say but most of all I was so proud to call you my big brother, rest in peace brother we will meet again. LOVE YOU
Sending love and prayers for Sheila, Donald, Tommy and Belinda.
Prayers for the family in the days ahead ,Rest In Peace Leon !! Teresa House ,Asheville NC.
So sorry for this loss Sheila – we have been praying from NY for you and will continue…
So very sorry for your lost guys , been friends for a long time . But he’s with his Mom , Justin and very happy even though it will be hard for everyone. My prayers are with you all . Love you Tommy I m always here for you .
Leon will be dearly missed . May he rest in peace .
Sheila dear, I was sorry to see the obituary of Leon. I have such fond memories of both of you in the fourth grade. Please know that I am uplifting you and the family in prayer. May you experience God’s presence and peace during this most difficult time.
Leon will be dearly missed . So many great times growing up . May he rest in peace .
I loved his spirit and his drive. He was such a competitor and a good friend to so many of us. He will be missed.
Sheila, Leon was always full of life and always smiling and always happy to see me. A true friend that I will miss dearly. Laura and I have you and your family in our prayers. David and Laura Ducker
Thoughts and prayers for the family. Leon was a good man. May God Bless your family during these times.
My sincerest condolences to the entire family. Leon, Tommy and myself go back long ago to our elementary school days at Valley Springs… my prayers are with everyone at this difficult time. May God bless you all.
You are in my constant prayers for this difficult loss. I will always remember the entire McClellan/Crompton family with such fondness since we were all so young. Leon, rest easy young man as it will only be a moment before we are all united once again. May God’s hand touch and hold you all.
Sheila, Tommy and family, please just know my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Leon was such a great guy. Sheila I can’t help but remember seeing you both at the airport headed on your vacation. Leon was so excited. Love to you all.
Kellie Case Whittemore
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO SHELIA AND THE FAMILY DURING THE LOST OF YOUR LOVED ONE , LEON WAS A GOOD PERSON AND WILL BE GREATLY MISSED,SMILIN JACK AND LINDA BUTLER AND FAMILY
Thoughts and prayers for the McClellan family, God bless you all.
It breaks my heart to hear about Leon, We worked together for years at ABF and I consider the whole McClellan family as my friends. My prayers are with you all!
Thoughts and prayers are with the family. What a great guy!! Leon and I played baseball together at Montreat Anderson Junior College.
Eddie and Brenda Perry
Prayers….such a nice man..
My heart goes out to all the families
We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for you all.
So sorry to hear the Sad news! Went to school with Leon and Tommy! Sending lots of prayers to the family! God be with you all!!! Sheila GOD will be with you and the family!!!
Prayers are with you and family. RIP Leon
Sheila, we are so sorry to hear about Leon. You are in our prayers
God grant you and your family peace at this sad time.
Sheila, I was deeply saddened to hear about Leon. Please know that I will be keeping you in my prayers in the days ahead. I wish comfort and peace for you and that God will surround you in his loving embrace. Love and hugs to you.
Sheila, I was deeply saddened to hear about Leon. Please know that I will be keeping you in my prayers in the days ahead. I wish comfort and peace for you and that God will surround you in his loving embrace. Love and hugs to you.
Praying God will give you comfort and peace during this very difficult time Sheila and family.
Shelia and family thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Life is a pathway to make memories, make others smile and remain positive. Leon accomplished these throughout his life. I was happy to have grown up around Leon and Shelia. When we crossed paths it always seemed to create a good memory. I hope everyone can focus on the memories and find peace in them. RIP Leon.
Leon
I miss you so much, but I know you are dance in the sky. Until I see you again I know you will be watching over us. I love you Big brother.
Through many years of working together Leon and I were friends! One thing for sure if I had a load of freight that really needed to get somewhere I was happy if Leon was driving the truck! Words cannot express the shock this brings! I pray the Holy Spirit of God embraces you dear family and brings you all comfort in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen
Leon you always had smile on your face you will be greatly missed by many people.
I started working at ABF in January 1984 and Leon was there on my first day, it sure was good to see a familiar smiling face. and when my daughter passed 3 years ago Leon was there for me with comforting words. I miss you and will never forget you Leon.
Rest in peace my friend. My prayers to Sheila, Tommy and family.
Sheila and Donald. I am stunned. I am so sorry. Leon was always smiling! I loved for him to call and order oil so we could catch up and he always talked of his whole family with such love! Donnie and I knew you all “back when” and Leon never changed. Such a light in this world. I am praying for all of you.
Donald, So very very sorry to hear you have lost your son. I know there is no greater loss. I lost a son many years back and I still am not over it. I value our friendship and if I can help you in any way, I am here. God will be your best friend during this time if you will allow him to. Carole Collins Watts.
We were so sorry to hear this. Our sincere condolences go out to you during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God be with you and give you the strength needed.
Sheila I am so sorry about the loss of your dear husband and love of your life. That love really showed at the class reunion in Sept. as Leon danced and you looked at him adoringly. Our whole class feels his loss. God bless you, Tommy and your family during this difficult time. God will comfort you until your reunion in Heaven which will be with your son also.
Sheila I am so sorry about the loss of your dear husband and love of your life. The love you two have really showed at the class reunion in Sept. as Leon danced and you looked at him so adoring and lovingly. Our whole class feels his loss. God bless you, Tommy and your family during this difficult time. God will comfort you until your reunion in Heaven, also with your son, Justin.
I just seen the passing of Leon. As a fellow freight man, I met Leon over 20 years ago, his dad about 25, and worked with Tommy 30 years ago. Always loved cracking jokes and laughing with him. He’ll be missed. My prayers are with the family. God bless!
I so remember all your beach visits…..
Prayers & love to sweet Sheila and the family.