Raymond Lee McClellan

He spent his youth in Marion, IL, along with three younger siblings: Cindy, Susie, and Bruce until the family moved to Golconda, IL, when his father was employed at Dam #51. At that point, he finished high school while living with his favorite uncle and auntie, Jim and Juanita Fisher. He continued his studies at SIU Carbondale for a few years, but was invited to join the Metropolitan Police force in Washington, D.C. and served for about 12 years during the Johnson and Nixon years-- a very turbulent period for young adults. He married Teodula Jaime of Paraguay during that time; however, they divorced in 1978-- just prior to his coming to Pope County for a brief stay in 1979. While in Golconda, he applied his experience to develop a data tracking system at the sheriff’s office of Rodney Brenner. Later that year, he made his way to Colorado where he produced a source directory for businesses in the Winter Park area. In 1984, he married Hermelinda Romero, who accompanied him to his employment in the NYC area, which led to moving to the Gulf Coast of Florida-- where he never left.

He grappled with poor health in recent years, but living at the beach made the situation tolerable. He never lost his mental acuity and keen sense of recall. Although he never had children, he was the very best big brother. Those who knew and loved him have no one with whom to compare. Arrangements under the direction of Beach Memorial Chapel, St. Pete Beach, FL.