James Forrest McClellan

McClellan, James Forrest , age 83 of Knoxville, died January 11, 2012. He was born November 13, 1928 in Scott County, Virginia to the late Lottie Wise McClellan and Swanson McClellan. Forrest and Evelyn Carol Johnson met at Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport, TN. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force and returned home for their wedding in 1953. Their military life took them to a number of locations, including Washington state, Alabama, Okinawa, Japan, and Alaska. He had a distinguished twenty-two year Air Force career from 1949 through 1971, including a tour of duty in Vietnam from 1966-1967. Forrest retired from the United States Air Force to Austin, TX and began a new career with the State of Texas while living in Austin. After Evelyn passed away in 1979, he relocated to Knoxville, TN to be close to his brother Jerry and his wife, Joyce. He met Katherine White at Central Baptist Church, Bearden and they were married on August 15, 2000. Katherine and Forrest enjoyed their church family, and enjoyed traveling together from Florida, to Texas, to Tennessee and all points in between. He loved his children and his extended family. He was a basketball player, golfer, and was gifted with the written word. Forrest was a warmhearted, handsome, distinguished and gentle man with a quick wit -- always accompanied by a smile and a wink. He was predeceased by his wife of 25 years, Evelyn Johnson McClellan. Forrest is survived by a daughter, Teresa McClellan Ledbetter (Rob), of Austin, TX; two sons, Mark Denning McClellan (Sally), of Pflugerville, TX, and Scott Forrest McClellan, of Pflugerville, TX; and two brothers, Jerry McClellan (Joyce), of Knoxville, TN, and Larry McClellan (Pam), of Blountville, TN. Several nieces and nephews also survive. In addition, he is survived by his current wife, Katherine White McClellan, and her extended family. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Edith (Ron) Carrier, Harrisonburg, VA and Lois Johnson, Harrisonburg, VA. Funeral service 7:00 PM Wednesday at Central Baptist Church, Bearden with Reverend Robert Bowman and Dr. Wade Bibb officiating. Interment will be 12:00 PM Noon Thursday at East Lawn Memorial Gardens. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Central Baptist Church, Bearden, 6300 Deane Hill Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919, or to a charity of one's choice in memory of James Forrest McClellan. The family will receive friend following the service. Online condolences may be sent to www.rosemortuary.com. Arrangements provided by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.

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James Forrest McClellan

November 13, 1928 - January 11, 2012