Charles Mclelland

Charles Gray McLelland passed away on September 5, 2011. He was born February 12, 1924 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to all who knew him. Charles was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Betty Reaves McLelland; his parents, W.W. McLelland and Annie Lee Bounds McLelland; and his brother, William Wallace McLelland, Jr. He is survived by his son, Charles McLelland, Jr. of Birmingham, his daughter, Janice Hill (David) of Montgomery, his son, Harry Leach (Sara) of Trussville; his sister, Margaret Ann Roberts (Don) of Tennessee; and four grandchildren, Allen Hill (Alycia), Susie McSweeney (Matt), Courtney Williams (Josh), and Jonathan McLelland. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren: Gabriel Smith, Elijah and Josiah Williams, Moriah McSweeney and Kalynn Hill. Charles was a member of Huffman Baptist Church for over 50 years, taught a Sunday School class for several years and served on the board of Adults for Seniority. He was a Sergeant in The US Army in World War II in the Anti-Aircraft Artillery and fought in the invasion of Luzon. Charles received the Bronze Star, a Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. After the war he was honorably discharged and attended the University of Southern Mississippi. At Southern, Charles was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. While living in Tupelo, MS, he was a member of Rotary Club and served as State Vice President of the Jr. Chamber of Commerce. After marrying and moving to Birmingham in 1954, he became president of the Roebuck Park and Recreation Board, had 30 years of perfect attendance with the Lions Club and was named "Lion of the Year". Charles retired from Lederle Laboratory with 48 years of service. Charles is a well-known artist of landscapes and still-life and belonged to the P ace Art Association for many years. He volunteered at St. Vincent's East for several years and served as their Board Treasurer. Visitation will be at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville on Thursday, September 8, from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM with the service following at 10:00 AM. Minister Larry Smith will be officiating.