Earl J. McClendon, Sr.

Earl J. McClendon, Sr. passed away in Jacksonville, Florida on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at the age of 90 years.

He was was born in Greenville, Mississippi on May 13, 1931, and was predeceased by his parents Douglas J. McClendon, Sr. and Ruby Beacham McClendon, sisters Mary M. Pigg and Belle M. Murphy, and brothers Douglas J. McClendon, Jr. and David L. McClendon, Sr.

Earl is survived by his wife of 70 years, Juanita Gravois McClendon, son Earl J. “Bunker” McClendon, II (Ginger) of Jacksonville, Florida, daughter Sandra M. “Sandy” Huntley (Arthur) of Alameda, California, and grandson Flynn M. Huntley (Amy) of Oakland, California.

In addition, he is survived by sisters Delorise M. Long (George) of Kellyton, Alabama, Sharon M. Wheatley of Florida, and Myrtis M. Doyle of Smyrna, Georgia, as well as brothers Joseph W. McClendon, of Rolling Fork, Mississippi, and Frank D. McClendon and Hugh I. McClendon of Greenville, Mississippi, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Earl served in the United States Navy during the Korean War.  He retired as Captain of the Greenville, Mississippi Police Department and also retired from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and Delta Regional Medical Center.  He was a graduate of the FBI National Academy and a member of the Retired Greenville Police Officers Association, the American Legion, and the Korean War Veterans Association.  He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a Shriner.

Private services for family will be held on Monday, August 16, 2021, in the chapel of Evergreen Cemetery, with burial at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.