Hood – Earl L. McClelland, age 85, of Crossville, TN, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, June 13, 2025, after a long journey marked by resilience, service, and quiet strength, surrounded by his loving family.

Earl was born on February 5, 1940, in Rochester, Pennsylvania, the son of John Magee McClelland and Cora “Myrtle” McClelland. He graduated from Sandy Valley High School in Magnolia, Ohio, in 1958. From a young age, he worked on and built stock and midget race cars with his father—an early sign of his love for innovation, mechanics, and hands-on problem solving. A voracious reader and a devout follower of his faith.

Earl served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War era. He was stationed primarily at the U.S. Army Ammunition Depot in Miesau, Germany, with the 181st Ordnance. He worked as a Search Radar Repair technician on the Hawk Missile System and specialized in electrical instruments repair. He was decorated with a Good Conduct Medal and was awarded Sharpshooter ratings for both the M-1 Rifle and the M-1 Carbine. He completed training at the U.S. Army Signal School at Fort Monmouth, NJ, and the U.S. Army Ordnance Guided Missile School at Redstone Arsenal, AL. Earl received an honorable discharge and carried the legacy of his service with quiet pride and lasting impact.

He was a man of few words but deep convictions. Earl was innovative, independent, and deeply idealistic, often embracing unconventional ideas and living by the McClelland motto: “We just do it.” Though his life was shaped by personal struggles—including hearing loss and other physical problems—he remained a survivor and a steady presence for those who loved him.

Professionally, Earl led a remarkable and diverse career. He worked for Telefunken in Germany, Turkey, and France, as well as for ISEI Europe, ITT, North Electric Company, Cellular One, and AT&T. He also served as Director of Engineering at Verizon and worked with Amazon in the U.S. Later in life, Earl and his beloved wife Lynn became missionaries with NOMADS—Nomads On a Mission Active in Divine Service—providing volunteer labor for United Methodist organizations across the country.

Earl was a grand lover of life and lived for adventure. He and Lynn traveled extensively in their RV, visiting all 49 contiguous U.S. states and several countries abroad. He cherished these adventures as well as the relationships he formed along the way. He had a quiet appreciation for life’s simple things—working with his hands, scenic country drives, and the joy of being with family.

He especially loved talking with all of his friends and neighbors in the GARDENS and at Crossville First Methodist Church. He loved all of his valued friends across the country. And will be missed by many including his dogs.

In his final years, Earl faced illness with dignity and strength. He was lovingly cared for by his family, who will continue to carry forward the memory of a man who bore life’s burdens with courage and grace.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lynn Ann “Lynn” McClelland; and children: Susannah (Ted) McClelland-Leithart, Sandi Khader, Ehren McClelland, Cathy Lowe, and Cindy (Bryan) Knaack. He is also survived by grandchildren: Josh (Jessica) KirkpatrickMadison Knaack, Austin Knaack, Tobias Leithart, Mohammed Khader, and Teddy Leithart II; and great-grandchildren: Aiden and Morgan Kirkpatrick, and Liam Leithart.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, John and Myrtle McClelland; his brother, Robert “Bob” Charlie McClelland; and his daughter, Shelly McClelland-Landis.

A Memorial Service will be held at Crossville First Methodist Church on Friday August 8, 2025 at 4pm. Interment will take place at a later date in Magnolia, Ohio.