William Joel McLendon

William Joel McLendon, born August 12, 1913, in Memphis, TN, died February 27, 2012 in Dallas, TX. Joel is survived by his wife, Violet Ward McLendon; son, Bob McLendon; daughter and son-in-law, Patsy and Bob Stewart; daughter and son-in-law, Marion and Frank Dunton; son and daughter-in-law, Forest and Sissy Ward. There are 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends. Joel moved from Memphis to Texas in 1928 and has been a Texan ever since. Joel had a remarkable career beginning at age 16 in the retail business at Sears. He soon became the youngest buyer and manager of any division at age 18. From 1941-1947, he was employed at John A. Brown department store as a buyer turned merchandise manager. He also served during this time period, in the U.S. army, during World War II (1944-1946) in the European Theater. After the war, he ventured into his own business, McLendon Wholesale Distributors which was the first Housewares distributor in the Southwest. His vision and company began to expand, and by 1955 he moved into one of the first showrooms at the Dallas Trade Mart where The McLendon Company is located at the present time. Joel has continued as a manufacturing representative for the gourmet industry and is known today as the Gourmet Guru. He, along with his son, Bob, has helped over 500 people open their own retail business. It has been said that Joel is in the “dream-realizing” business. He helps individuals realize their dreams of starting a business. He then encourages them in watching their business grow and prosper. Joel was chosen as Entrepeneur of the Year in Texas in 1995, at the age of 83. He was a true Southern gentleman in every sense of the word: kind, generous, respectful. He was the most optimistic and positive person friends and family ever knew. He loved his work and was even in the office days before his passing. However, the love of his work never superseded the love of his family. Joel was a member of Park Cities Baptist Church and he and Violet have faithfully attended the Victory Class. Joel and Violet have also been faithful members at Cooper Aerobics Center, where they were both named Classic Members of the Year. They have enjoyed an active lifestyle along with travel and amazing friendships. Violet has said that, “Joel has been my rock for ten years.” Joel will be missed deeply, but we are grateful that the Lord has enfolded him into His eternal life and peace. Visitation will be on Thursday, March 1, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Sparkman/Hillcrest, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225. Graveside Service will be at 10:00 a.m., March 2, 2012, Hillcrest Memorial Park, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225. Memorial Service 11:00 a.m., Park Cities Baptist Church, 3933 Northwest Parkway, Dallas, TX 75225, with reception to follow.