Col. Vann Lester McCloud Sr.

Colonel (Retired) Vann L. McCloud, Sr. of Montgomery, Alabama, departed his life at the age of 69 on Sunday, October 13, 2024. He was born in Dothan, Alabama on November 3, 1954 to the late E. Earl McCloud, Sr. and Carrie Bell McCloud. Vann was also preceded in death by four sisters; Oneida Knight, Geraldine Cameron, Carrie P. Alston, and Kathleen Peoples.

Vann and his family later moved to Clio, Alabama where he confessed his life to Christ and joined Saint Peter AME Church. Vann attended school in Clio where he graduated Barbour County High School with honors. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Science and completed ROTC at Tuskegee Institute, now Tuskegee University.

Vann commissioned to the U.S. Airforce in December 1976. He later served the U.S. Army Reserve. He was a hard worker and believed in education and advancement. With his mindset and his determination, Vann earned the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. He served his country honorably for 31 years.

In a dual career, Vann was also employed with the USDA, Rural Development (RD) for 32 years. During his tenure with the agency, he became the first African American Program Director of Multi-Family Housing. Vann completed outstanding and courageous careers with both the U.S. Army and USDA RD.

Vann loved Tuskegee football as he looked forward each year to the season. He was also a big fan of the Atlanta Falcons football and Atlanta Braves baseball. But we know his heart was with the game of pinochle. Vann was a member of the Montgomery Pinochle Pals and traveled to participate in tournaments in several states.

Vann leaves to cherish his memories, a loving and devoted wife of 13 years, Jacqueline McCloud; two devoted sons, James E. McCloud of Montgomery, AL and Vann L. McCloud II (Ashley) of Madison, AL; three stepchildren, JoNiya N. Taylor (Greg) of Montgomery, AL, Joseph B. Watson, Jr. (Alysha) of Wetumpka, AL and Jonetta M. McCallum (Rashard) of Montgomery, AL; one loving sister, Dr. Rosa M. Baxter (Floyd) of Decatur, GA; one dedicated brother, Bishop Erronous E. McCloud, Jr. (Patricia) of Atlanta, GA; 13 grandchildren whom he cherished very much as they all put smiles on his face, James E. McCloud II, Ayari A. McCloud, Trinity N. Doniver, Cassidy L. McCloud, Vann L. McCloud III, Javareus Q. Williams, Jaxon Q. Williams, Skylar G. Taylor, Johanna B. Watson, Josele A. Watson, Joslyn A. Watson, Riley McCallum and Rayna McCallum; mother-in-law Loretta Moss; two sister-in-laws Melissa Sharpe and Alfreda (Daryl) Mitchum; his goddaughter, Jordyn Sharpe; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends to include those through military and pinochle clubs; his special friends, Donald and Janie Brooks and Ricardo and Sharon Randle. We would like to give thanks to three special nieces Sheryl Knight, Larissa Sharpe, and Kaitlyn Lavender, the staff at Enhabit Hospice Service (Crystal White, Nurse) Baptist South (Angela Perry, Nurse) and Right Choice Senior Services for all their care and support.

A family and friends visitation for Vann will be held Friday, October 18, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Leak Memory Chapel, 945 Lincoln Road, Montgomery, AL 36109. A celebration of life church service will occur Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St John's AME Church, 807 Madison Ave, Montgomery, AL.