Ray Lamar McClendon

Ray Lamar McClendon, 89, of Gallant, Alabama, went to his heavenly home on April 17th, 2023. Ray was born on January 8th, 1934 in Gallant, Alabama to the late Buel and Christine Chumbler McClendon. He graduated from Etowah High School in 1952. Ray was a member of the basketball and baseball teams. It was here that he began developing his infamous "knuckle ball" pitch. His trademark served him well as he continued playing baseball for the Navy and semi-pro league. Ray lived in Gallant all of his life except for the four years where he voluntarily served in the U.S. Navy, traveling coast-to-coast and around the world on aircraft carrier, USS Valley Forge. Ray was first stationed in San Diego, CA.

Ray married the love of his life, Mazie Marie McClendon on April 7th, 1956 at Memorial Baptist Church in Bluefield, Virginia, and recently celebrated 67 years of marriage. He studied at Snead State College and Gadsden Business College. He was first employed by Hayes Aircraft, and then became an inspector at Republic Steel. As a pillar of his community, Ray was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church where he taught Sunday school, directed the choir, and organized the first youth group. Ray's passion was for gospel music. He organized the Songster’s Quartet and traveled across many states for 27 years singing gospel music and witnessing for the Lord. Ray was also a founding member of the Alabama Gospel Quartet Association and served as its President. Ray spent years coaching Little League baseball teams where he helped organize the Attalla Little League. He had a passion for developing and supporting youth programs.

After retirement from Gulf States (Republic) Steel, golf became his passion. Most weeks he was on the golf course 6 days a week where enjoyed new and old friends, and traveling throughout visiting many courses. He won first place trophies including in the Bahamas, Hawaii and Tennessee. Bowling was also something he enjoyed when he decided to take it easy. A few of Ray’s favorite travels included Holy Lands, Ireland, Canada and Western U.S - he loved to travel.

Ray was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Ray was a dear friend to many and lived life to the fullest. His greatest love was his dear wife and his two sons, Tim and Wyman. His love for the Lord impacted many hearts and souls as he sang his way thru years of singing events and churches. Those you touch are lives, stay in our hearts forever. Ray, your life was a blessing, your memory is a treasure.

In addition to his parents, Ray is preceded in death by his son, Timothy David McClendon, sister, Margaret McClendon Blakley, and brother, Leon McClendon

Ray is survived by his wife, Mazie Marie McClendon, son, Wyman Keith McClendon (Anna Luisa), granddaughter, Yvette McClendon Abrams (Jason), great-granddaughter Isabel Caroline Abrams.

Pallbearers will be Matt McClendon, Phil McClendon, Ronnie McClendon, Hank Appleton, Stanley Gilliland, Jan Hathcock.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Landon McWilliams, JL Bellamy, Joe Willingham, Hoody Tyler.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.morganfuneralchapel.com for the McClendon family.