William E. "Bill" McClendon Jr. of Raeford died Monday, Oct. 11, 2021.
Born in Albermarle on Dec. 31, 1944, he was the son of the late Willaim E. and Victoria Lambert McClendon. He had proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. He was stationed at the Hercules Missile Site in Korea until his honorable discharge from active duty. He settled in Fayetteville and soon found a home at Grace Baptist Church and also found his future wife there. On August 6, 1967 he married Norma Jean Lanier. The two moved to Charlotte and soon started a family.
He earned his bachelor's degree in Engineering from N.C. State and worked for the NC DOT for many years. He had been an engineer overseeing Scotland and Montgomery counties. The family would move to Aberdeen in 1978 before settling in Raeford where they became members of the First Baptist Church of Raeford.
He had been a Post Commander of the local VFW and was also a Mason and member of the Shriners. He also volunteered at the NC Baptist Children's Home and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Jean Lanier McClendon. He is survived by their children Melanie Cifers, husband Daryl, William "Billy" McClendon III, wife Amy, Charles Daniel McClendon, wife Heather, and Natalie McClendon. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Cayleigh, Cassie, Charlie, Madison, Sydney, Harley and Kylie. He was the brother of Jere Lee McClendon, Susan Parsons and the late Bobby McClendon.
A celebration of his life will be held at the First Baptist Church of Raeford Wednesday, Oct. 13th at 3 p.m. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 1-3 p.m. A graveside ceremony with Military Honors will be held at Cumberland Memorial Gardens, 4509 Raeford Rd., Fayetteville on Friday, Oct. 15th at 2 p.m.
Online condolences may be made at http://www.bolesfuneralhome.com