Terrance Michael McCleave

February 24th, 1942 – August 26th, 2025

IN THE CARE OF

Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park

Terry McCleave joined his beloved wife Melba (d. July 10th, 2021) in eternal life at age 83, passing away peacefully on August 26th, 2025, with family by his side. Terry’s story is one of warmth, dedication, and resilience - a journey marked by deep family ties and an unwavering commitment to serving others. Those who knew Terry were touched by his generosity and unwavering optimism, traits that shaped every chapter of his life.

Terry built a life filled with love, service, and community. Raised in Davenport, Iowa, he embarked on a career in the automotive industry before bringing his passion and infectious enthusiasm to Florida. It was there that he met the love of his life, Melba. They were married on March 31st, 1990. With Melba by his side, he continued to enrich the lives of those around him.

He was the proud father of Laura, David (Heidi), and Anne; proud stepfather to Michelle (Travis); proudest grandfather to Cory, Joey (Anna), Megan (Danny), Patrick, Kyle, and DJ; great-grandfather to Nevaeh and Elijah; dear brother to Kathe and Mickie (Tom); brother-in-law to Harry, Rebecca (Sandy), Jennifer (David), Louise, Robert (Cheryl) and Phillip. Alongside these family ties is a host of cherished nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife and best friend, Melba, his parents, two sisters, one brother, a niece, a nephew, and a step-son.

Terry’s commitment to life never wavered. Despite living his entire life with the challenges of myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular condition that causes muscle weakness, Terry refused to let his condition limit his spirit. He remained devoted to serving others and inspired a sense of perseverance and grace to all those around him.

Terry made friends wherever he went, and his kid-at-heart goofiness endeared him to everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. He was a die-hard Iowa Hawkeye and a Dallas Cowboys fan and faithfully followed the Chicago Cubs. He loved baseball, coaching softball, and his personal highlight, serving as President of Davenport Associated Dad’s Baseball Club in Davenport, Iowa. Terry embraced every opportunity to travel and enjoy activities such as bowling, dancing, karaoke, and in general, being the life of the party and living generously with laughter.

Even in retirement, Terry could not remain idle. He and Melba launched a catering business, and he continued to be actively involved in numerous service organizations, holding leadership positions and memberships in groups such as the The Elks Club in Lehigh Acres, Moose International, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and The American Legion.

Terry will be remembered for his kindness, enthusiasm, devotion, sense of humor and the lasting impact he made on his family, his friends, and his community and so many others whose lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, donations may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. www.myasthenia.org .

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a date to be determined.