Justin Leon McClellan
December 26, 1985 ~ July 2, 2007
Resided in:
Arden, NC
Arden ~ Justin Leon McClellan, 21, of Justin Trail, Arden died unexpectedly on Monday, July 2, 2007 at his home.
He was the son of Leon McClellan and Sheila McClellan both of Arden. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother John-sie Lee Crompton and pater-nal grandmother, Barbara Jean McClellan; Maternal great-grandparents, Marian Avery Crompton and Mildred McIntyre Crompton and paternal great grandparents, Clarence McClellan and Edna Jenkins McClellan. He attended T C Roberson High School where he participated in the athletic program. He graduated in 2005 from Asheville - Buncombe Middle College. He was currently enrolled at A B Tech, working toward a degree in psychology. Justin was employed at the Flat Rock Grill and Golf Associates. He was an avid skateboarder and snow-boarder and love to snow-board in Breckenridge, CO and was self taught guitarist with a natural ear for music. He was a member of the Zero Gravity Skate Boarding Team and Biltmore Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his girlfriend and soul mate, Melanie Shaffer; maternal grandfather, William J. Crompton; paternal grandfather, Donald Leon McClellan and girlfriend Johnnie Soprano; un-cle, Tommy McClellan and aunt, Sassi McClellan; aunt Belinda Miller and her husband, Chuck; five cousins, Christina, Travis, Ashley, Bobby and T.J. all of Arden; Aunt, Lynn Crawford and husband Tom; cousin, Carole Patterson and her husband, J. P. and their children, Gavin, Kinsey, Kaden; cousin, Chris and his girlfriend Melissa Bono all of Florida; uncle, Billy Crompton and wife Susie; cousin Jennifer Nelms and her husband, Michael and their son, Matthew; a cousin Melissa Marks and her husband Jonathan all of Georgia.
A funeral service will be held 12:30 P.M. Saturday in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road with Dr. Kelvin Mosley officiating. Burial will follow in New Salem Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 – 12:30 on Saturday at the funeral home prior to the service.
Justin loved his mom and dad with all his heart. There was not a day that went by that he did not hug them and tell them that he loved them.
His one true love was Melanie. He also loved his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and anyone who met him always liked him.
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WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS EVERY DAY. TERESA (PENLAND) MEDERA AND FAMILY.
WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS EVERY DAY. TERESA (PENLAND) MEDERA AND FAMILY.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Leon,Sheila, & family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. God Bless.
Sheila and family~ My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. God has plans far beyond our understanding, but know that you have my prayers with you and your family. May God Bless you and help you to find comfort during this difficult time.
Leon: Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I don’t even know what to say. . .
Leon, Sheila, Don and Bill – Our prayers are with you and you family. With deepest sorrow…Laura and Danny.
Our hearts ache for you and your family, we will keep praying for comfort and peace in the times to come.
LEON, I AM GREATLY SORROWED BY YOUR LOSS. IF YOU NEED ANYTHING, ANYTHING AT ALL, DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL ME. I PRAY THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE COMFORTED AND GIVEN STRENGTH THROUGH THIS TOUGH TIME.
YOUR FRIEND,
SCOTTIE WARD
651-4998
Shelia,
My heart goes out to you. I know how close you were to Justin. I would love to make a donation in his name. If he had a charity he was involved with or one you would perfer please let me know. If not I will sponser one of our homeless animals in his name. You are in my thoughts.
Take Care,
Kindest Regards
Denise
Leon & Sheila,
We cannot begin to imagine what you are going through. Justin was a great kid with an unforgettable personality & smile that lit up a room. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Teddy and Michelle Maynor
Leon and Sheila,
Please know my love and prayers are with you guys during this time. I am so sorry.
Cindy
Leon & Sheila,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Sheila my thoughts and prayers are with you and Leon at this time. I just wanted you to know that I Love You, and if there is anything I can help with let me know. Again I am so sorry for your huge loss.
I really dont know what to say…Justin was a great guy,he was always there for us younger kids with advice and jokes.Aunt Sheila,Uncle Leon i really am sorry.Justin and Travis have always been who ive wanted to be like,from how they dressed to how they loved each and every relative and friend,Justin will always be my hero,he will always live in our hearts
Aunt Sheila and Uncle Leon i just want you to know i love you both and i love Justin to he was always a great guy to be around and he loved everyone for who they were thats what i think made him so unique i pray every night that you both will find comfort.i love yall
Justin was a close friend, whom i grew up with. He was a great person, and i’ll always remember him.
Our very deepest sympathy for your loss. Your are in all our prayers.
Dear Sheila and Leon,
I wish that there was something that we could say or do to make you feel better during this impossibly difficult time. Please know that our deepest love and prayers are with you permanently. God did me a huge favor by letting me meet Justin for the first time last Sunday afternoon, WHAT AN ABSOLUTE AND COMPLETE HONOR!! Being around him those few moments made it very obvious what an incredibly wonderful person he was. Please let us know if there is ANYTHING…EVER, that we can do for you. Your family is in our hearts FOREVER. Love you guys…David and Family
Leon and Shelia,
What do I say…except that having walked in your shoes 2 years ago, my heart is over-flowing with love, compassion and concern for you both. Please know that your family and friends will comfort you-find someone to yell at, to cry with or just sit with and say nothing. And at this difficult time of loss please know that I will be praying for peace and strength and that GOD will send down mighty angels to wrap you both in comfort. Shelia, Leon please know we will be available anytime if you just need a hug from a mother and father that truely do know your tremendous pain. With love and prayers !!!
Kelly and Kay (Gasperson) Hunter
(828) 684-8456
Leon and Sheila, I do not know of any words that can comfort you at this time. I do know that in John 14 Jesus said he would leave with us a comforter. I pray that His comfort will surround you. Although I have not known Justin in his recent years, he blessed my heart as a child when I would sit for him. I will never forget that sweet little smile. I love you both. You are all in my prayers.
We are sorry to hear about Justin. Our thoughts and prayers are with each one of you. Justin will always be a true gift from God. I know God’s love will comfort you during this time.
Sheila and Leon, You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday.
Leon and Sheila,
Having known you for as long as we have makes this all the more difficult. We remember Justin’s birth and watching him grow up. You have suffered a great loss because Justin was such a great blessing. Cathy and I pray that God’s comfort will be greatly bestowed upon you.
SHEILA AND LEON,
PLEASE KNOW OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. JUSTIN WAS A WONDERFUL YOUNG MAN..A TRUE GIFT FROM GOD. MAY THE LOVE OF JESUS COMFORT YOU DURING THIS TIME.
SANDY, LANE AND ROBERT
Leon And Shelia
Our prayers are with you. Pleae know if there is anything we can ever do for you and your family let us know. GOD BLESS each of you.
Shelia and Leon.
I am so sorry for your loss i didnt have the privilage of knowing justin personally but felt as if i did just by working with you shelia . I know he meant the world to you guys and will be truely missed. I pray God will give you strength and bring you comfort each day. I love you Girl if you need anything just call. Im praying for you and your family each day. God Bless You.
Leon and Sheila,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you daily. If there is anything at all that I can do for you. Please don’t hesitate to call me. May God Bless you each and everyday.
Carla and Jeff Cunningham
It’s hard to know what to say to bring comfort to you at this time. My heart goes out to you Sheila for your loss. Unfortunately, I never had the privilage of meeting Justin, but from what I have heard & read makes me understand how special he was. My deepest sympathies to you and Leon. Know that your family & friends are there to love and support you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. May comfort and peace be with you.
My deepest sympathies to the family & friends of Justin. He was a very sweet young man and seemed to be so full of joy and life. Our warmest thoughts & prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Leon and Sheila
I cannot even begin to know what to say. I had no idea of this terrible tradegy until this morning! As a parent of a young adult, I cannot possibly imagine the grief and the dispare you must feel. There are no words to describe the saddness I feel for you and for your family. I will keep you in my prayers, asking God to give you the strength and faith to get through each day. Justin must have been a wonderful son and friend. Reading all of the guestbook postings are a wonderful tribute to him and to your family.I know you are very proud of the fine man Justin had become. I am sorry I did not know him. I am only a phone call away, if any of you need anything at all.
With Love and Prayers
Robbie
828 650-0303
Leon and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is not in The Plan…to loose a child. I wish I knew what to say to make it easier…but I will be praying for you. With deepest sympathy,
Leon and Shelia,
We were so sad to hear of the untimely death of Justin. Our sympathy and understanding go out to you and your family at this time. Although we did not know Justin personally, we know that he had a wonderful mother and father. Leon was one of my favorite students at VS. Johnny and I lost our youngest son, Joe, suddenly in 2004 at the age of 34…so we know a lot about what you are going through…if we can be of any assistant to you, do not hesitate to call us(684 6154). The hole in your heart will never heal, but it is there for Justin to always remain with you. God bless you and keep you wrapped in his loving arms.
With Our Love,
barbara and johnny loftin
I just wanted to say how sorry I am
to hear about Justin.My thoughts and prays are with Sheila and Leon.
Justin was one of the best kids I have had the opportunity of working with. He was always so positive. He valued the love and support of his mom very much. My prayers are with all of you at this time.
You are all in my prayers… Justin was always a joy to have at the Morgan household and always added an amazing sense of humor to every situation. He will be missed by all of us!!!
Bobby’s sister…(DeLain)
leon and sheila.. haven’t seen you guys in forever,, since justin was little and he came in jesse jeans with you.. i am so very sorry for your loss.. we will remember your family in our prayers…sherry [ green ] schneider
Sheila, Leon and family – I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mr. and Mrs. McClellan,
I want you to know how sorry I am for your loss. There wasn’t a time when I was around Justin that I didn’t have a smile on my face. He was an amazing guy. Anyone who ever knew him would never be able to forget him. I think he left a lasting impression on us all. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
i will remeber justin with all my heart and with the fondest of memories, never again will i meet someone so gifted in the things he loved…he was a very talented skateboarder and i know i speak for everyone when i say he will be greatly missed. i called him stin, we all had nicknames. mr. and mrs. mcclellan, my heart goes out to you in this terrible time. you were always so kind to me, very insightful and friendly, the type of people that make you feel very comfortable in a home that was not your own. Justin’s closest friends and i have prepared something special for his service. he was one of the greatest most enthusiastic people i have had the previledge to know. be strong and think of how justin would want you to feel after going through such turmoil. i will always be there for your family. if there is anything i can do to better preserve the memory of such an amazing man dont hesitate to ask. (828) 551-0126
Uncle Leon and Aunt Shelia
i want you to both know that i pray for you every night and hope that you are doing okay i know this was very hard for you. i love you both and i love justin so much. it’s not fair that now at only 21 he has left us to be with the lord, but you know he is watching over every one of us, and that he loves every one he will be missed very much by a lot of people. And we will all meet again some day in the presents of the lord. i’m praying for you and every one in the family i love you both
I Love You
Ashley
Sheila,
I was so sorry to hear about your son. I am praying for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Lisa Stiles
Leon & Sheila
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this amazingly difficult time. No words can ever relieve your pain but with the strength that God gives to you and the love and support of family and friends you will get through this. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers and if you need anything at anytime–don’t hesitate!!!
Love–Shannon & Randy Maxwell & BJ Hughes
684-8830
Shelia,my heart goes out to you and Leon. Please call me if there is any thing that I can do..May God’s speed and prayers be with you.I love you Stephanie
Shelia and Leon we are so sorry for your tremendous loss and we will pray for you everyday that God will comfort you and give you strength. We love you guys and if there is anything we can do Please let us know MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND COMFORT YOU IN YOUR TIME OF NEED LOVE GREGG,AMY,GREGGORY,AUBREY AND NICHOLAS
Leon and Sheila,
Mike called me to let me know about the tragic loss of your son. Although we have not seen or spoken to each other in years, I think of my old friends often and my heart breaks to hear that this has happened to both of you. I hope that God will bring you both the strength to deal with your loss. I love you both!
Dear Family and Friends,
I met Justin through my younger brother Bobby, when they were still in high school. I was visiting with my parents and heard them ‘tearing it up’ downstairs. I was absolutely amazed at how awesome they were…If you like Garage Punk Rock…My brother introduced me to Justin and I new immediately what a kind and talented guy he was. I have seen him several other times through the years and always thought that he was so intriguing. He seemed so intelligent and rebellious. I saw a lot of myself in him. In the short time that he was with us, he has influenced many and brought a light into so many lives. May you all find comfort and peace in the knowledge that he touched the lives of more people that anyone could possibly know. He was loved by many, many people and now may that love be extended to you.
Love, and Blessings to you in this time of grief.
Leon and Sheila,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you daily. Love and Prayers, Blaine & Tammy Pressley
Sheila and Leon,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. We are here for you if you need anything. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Leon & Shelia, I know that theres not really anything I can say at this painfull time for you guys.I just wanted to let you know I am here for you guys & please dont hesitate to let me know.Both of you and all your family are in my prayers.Justin sure had a beautfull Dr. Bill smile.I love you Shelia and I am so so sorry.
Leon & Sheila,
My heart goes out to you and the family. I was shocked when Mom called me with this news the other day. As a parent I can’t even begin to imagine how you feel, but know that there are many, many people praying for you and that God will comfort you during this time of loss. I’m sorry I can’t be there tomorrow, but I will be thinking of you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and I will ask others to do the same, well after tomorrow.
With all of our love,
Jon, Cynthia, Savannah, Sarah, and Zac
We are friends of Marissa and Steve Oxner and heard of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Fowler Family
From a good friend and classmate since kindergarten, I would like to send my condolences to your family. And to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Barbara Hall
Leon, Sheila, Bill and Don. Our whole family is thinking about you and we want to convey our condolences to you. I can only imagine what a trying time this is for you and I pray that God will help you through it. Justin is with his heavenly father now and I am thinking of the song If you could see me now walking streets of Gold. If you could see me now you wouldn’t ever want me to leave this place. Justin is still with you in spirit and always will be. God bless you. The Angels.
William, Carolyn, Joshua, Jacob, and Maura
Sheila & Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family in the loss of Justin. May God bless and comfort you in His way. It has saddened us deeply to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in our prayers.
The Hefner Family
Justin was a beautiful soul with an enormous heart. His infectious smile and charismatic personality will be missed by all who had the privilege to call him a friend. Rest peacefully Justin.
Leon, Sorry I could not attend on Saturday. Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you and your family.
Mr & Mrs McClellan & Melanie
I’m sorry for such a sudden & unexpected loss. My prayers are with you.
Leon& family, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. We want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God truly bless you and your family and comfort you in your greif.
WHIT & CATHIE HOOPER
SYLVA N.C.
Dear Sheila & Leon:
I am so very sorry for you loss of Justin. There are no words of comfort that truly express what anyone would want to say to you. However we have hope in God so I pray that God comforts you in ways only He can. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Leon and Sheila,
We know from experience the pain and sorrow that you are feeling. Our hearts are broken for you. For 21 years you had the most precious gift that God can give us. Justin was your entire world. He loved life and lived it to the fullest every day. His personality and beautiful smile was contagious. We will miss him so. Please know we are here for you today, tomorrow and always.
We love you!
Leon and Sheila,
As the father of three, I cannot even begin to imagine what you must be going through right now. I have tried to live each day since my kids arrived by telling myself that they are only mine to share in their lives. They are truly God’s children and given to me to be caretaker over. What a wonderful caretaking job you must have done with Justin and what a wonderful soul he must have for God to say ‘He’s ready’ and call him home so soon. I hope your memories of Justin grow stronger and may you continue to discover gifts he left you as time goes by.
Sheila,
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious son Justin. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray for God’s grace and comfort to help you through this horrendous loss. God be with you.
Leon, Sheila and family I just found out the tragic news . I do not know what to say ,except that you are all in our prayers ,May god bless you and give you strength through this .
Leon & Sheila,
I just wanted you to know what a blessing Justin’s service was. Take comfort in knowing that he is with God and that someday you will see him again.
Our prayers are with you.
Foy & Gail Lanning
Leon and Shelia,
We are so sorry but God will be with you in the future days ahead.
God bless you.
I met Justin probably about 7 or 8 years ago through my son, Chris Brunt. He was always such a nice kid. Never a smart mouth. Through the years, Justin would pop in and out of our lives. But he never changed. He was always a great kid around me. I know this is a very difficult time for the family and his close friends…but you have many great memories to carry with you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sheila and Leon, you are in our prayers. Kim Taylor Lawson
Leon and Sheila,
Our sadness cannot be explained with words. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless and strengthen you during this time. Please call on us if you need anything.
Leon and Shelia, We were so saddened to hear of your loss. Our hearts go out to you. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss.
Leon, Sheila and Family,
We are deeply sadden to hear of your loss. May God give you strength during this difficult time and the days ahead. All of you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
In Christ Love,
DeAnna and Gordon Ball
Leon and Sheila,
To learn of your loss of Justin was heartbreaking. As parents its just not in our realm of thinking our children will leave before we do. However, I know beyond any doubt our Lord is all loving and all knowing. He will see you both through if you will let Him. He knows what it is like to lose a Son, an only Son. He can sustain, provide and comfort you as ‘only’ He alone can do. I know Justin will live on through your love for and memories of him. May God bless and keep you. Prayerfully. Kathy
Leon & Sheila, words cannot express the pain I feel for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you comfort and peace and hold you ever so close in His loving arms.
Leon and Sheila, You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God strengthen you and your families during this difficult time. May He provide comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding.
Leon & Sheila
All our sympathy and all our prayers are with you.
Mike and Teresa Jamison
Leon and Donald,
Mrs. Grindstaff let me know about your son, Leon. I’m so sorry. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you.
My heart is with you
Jennifer Browning
Leon and Sheila,
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I have so many great memories of when Justin, Tina, Travis and I grew up playing basketball and all the other sorts of exciting games that he would come up with together in the Oaks neighborhood. He was always a great friend to me, and I always had a great time with him. I’ll never forget those times that I was blessed with his friendship. I am praying for your family, and I know that God will heal your pain with time.
Matt Morrison
I have such wonderful memories of growing up with Justin. He was always so happy and such a great listener. I will never forget helping him set up for the Halloween party he had at his house during middle school…it was so much fun. He had such a great heart and soul, and he adored his mom. Even though we did not get to see each other much after high school, I still remember the good times like they were yesterday. I never got to tell you what a great person I thought you were…but you are so genuine and kind. Justin, you will be greatly missed.
Dear Leon and Sheila,
I saw you and Justin at the tire store with My Mom.I have been praying for the two of you.I am so very sorry for your pain and loss. May God shower you with stength and light.
Sincere sympathy and condolences,
Candace Hager
Sheila and Leon,
I was shocked and saddened to hear this morning of Justin’s untimely death. I have not seen you guys in such a long time but have thought of you (Sheila) often. I think the last time I saw Justin was as a very young boy when he was singing ‘Digging Up Bones’ in Sheila’s back seat. You both will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Moore
Words cannot express how sad we are for your loss and how sorry that we were unable to attend Justin’s funeral. We haven’t seen each other in a while, but we always kept up with how the family was doing through other friends or family members. Time slips away so fast that sometimes we just can’t keep up. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you as we can only imagine the pain that you are going through. God Bless you and find strength in one another!
Leon & Sheila-
Though it has been many years since I’ve seen you guys please know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers. Know that my heart goes out to you both. Have your faith in GOD and he will see you through this difficult time.
Take care of one another…
Beverly Barnes
to the family so sorry to hear about justin if i had know it i would have come Iam praying for all of you donald married my cousin bobby i wish some one had let us know about his death i would have come ..love martha gann & buddy
Mr. and Mrs. McClellan,
I spent almost every year of grade school in a class with Justin, and he really was an amazing person… I will miss everything about him… Your family is in my heart and prayers.
I was thinking about you today Sir. I miss you and our great times together.
Leon, this is Skip Anderson of Montreat days. So. Sad to have read this. God Bless you my friend. Skip