Robert Sherrill McLain Jr. (Bob)

Robert Sherrill McLain, Jr., (Bob) age 86 of Yakima, Washington passed away Wednesday January 13, 2016 at Landmark Care Center, which has been home to him for over 10 years. In living with the effects of a stroke for 10 years, Papa taught us about courage and making the best of everyday.

Robert was born August 5, 1929 in Wilkes County, North Carolina to Robert Sherrill “Jack”, Sr. and Leoma Octavia Mink “Oma” McLain. Bob grew up in Wilkesboro with his four sisters and one brother. To them he was known as “Sherrill”. Even though they didn’t get to see each other much, they remained very close.

Robert joined the Army and served from 1948 to 1951 during which time he met his future wife, Wanda Lee Mullinax while stationed at Hanford. They were married June 18, 1951 in Yakima, Washington. Bob and Wanda had two sons, Rudy Glen McLain and Jackie Robert McLain. During the following years they moved from Washington to North Carolina and back to Washington, settling in Selah around 1964.

Bob worked at Hyster for many years and retired in January, 1991. Bob enjoyed his retirement taking trips in his RV, golfing, being a golf marshall, collecting Nascar cars and traveling with his friend and companion, Connie. He spent many mornings and lunches with his son, Jackie at Magic’s Pizza Shack or going with Jackie to buy supplies. He enjoyed collecting John Wayne memorabilia and watching old Westerns on television.

He loved spending time with his two granddaughters, Gena and Tally. Papa was always there with a smile and encouragement at their many activities and sports. Bob has three Great Grandchildren: Aidan, Adley and Lyla that he has enjoyed watching and spending time with. They love their Papa.

He was preceded in death by his wife Wanda Mullinax McLain, his son Rudy Glen McLain, his parents, his brother: James David “Son” McLain, and his sister: Betty Mayberry.

Bob is survived by one son: Jackie Robert McLain (Deborah), Grandchildren: Eugenia McLain Franklin (Ryan) and Talia Lee McLain. Great-grandchildren: Aidan Franklin, Adley Franklin and Lyla McLain. Three sisters in North Carolina: Louise Staley, Ruth Moore (Darryl) and Helen Cox. And numerous nieces and nephews from North Carolina to Washington.

The family would like to thank all of the Staff at Landmark Care Center for the excellent care and friendship they gave Bob in these past years.

Visitation will be on Monday, January 18 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Keith and Keith Funeral Home, 902 W. Yakima Avenue, Yakima Washington.

Services will be held at Rainier Memorial Center, 2807 Terrace Heights Drive on Tuesday, January 19 at 1:00 p.m.

Burial to follow at Terrace Heights Memorial Park.