John Willie McClin, Sr

Deacon John Willie McClin, Sr. of  Sparta GA, transitioned to final rest on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. There will not be a public viewing. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, April 10, 2023, Graveside, 11:00 A.M. St Lewis CME Church Cemetery.  

Deacon John Willie McClin, Sr., affectionately known as, “Tom-Dooley, Duke, and JW” was born on September 15, 1945, to the parentage of the late Mr. Linton and Mrs. Lillian Lamar- McClin in Sparta, Georgia. These nick names were given to him because of his love for cowboy movies such as, Tom-Dooley, Sugar Foot, and John Wayne. He was a native of Hancock County, Sparta, Georgia and attended Hancock Central High School.  After leaving high school, he was introduced to a man by the name of Mr. Thigpen, whose connections allowed him many job opportunities in the cotton fields, and road work. Afterwards, he became employed by Georgia Pacific, Central State Hospital, and the Lodging Truck Company.  After serving on these jobs for years, he decided to follow his dream of becoming a mechanic. He was known throughout the surrounding counties as one of the best mechanics ever until his health declined in 2011. He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior in 1980 at Apostolic Faith Holiness Church of the Lord Jesus, Inc., under the leadership of Bishop Frank Lawrence. He was later ordained a Deacon in the Lord’s Church in 1992 under the leadership of Apostle Ronald Harden and Christ Healing Temple Ministries.

Deacon John Willie McClin, Sr., met the love of his life, Chief Apostle Luvenia McClin when she was 15 years old. They were united in Holy Matrimony on December 7, 1978. To this union were born six children.  Although he had children from his prior marriage, he collectively merged both families together and bonded each of them in brotherly and sisterly love.

After an extended illness, Deacon John Willie McClin, Sr., answered the Glory Call on April 4, 2023. He leaves a wealth of heritage and a forever lasting legacy embedded in the hearts of everyone that knew him. He was proceeded in death by oldest brother and sister, Curtis McClin and Fannie Mae Lewis. The following children proceeded him in death: Hollis McClin (The Miracle Baby), John Demetrius McClin, Prophet Leroy McClin, Bobby Hargrove, and Bishop John McClin, Jr.

If memories would die, we would have no need to cry. His memories and long-lasting impressions will be cherished by his wife of 44 years and have been together 54 years, Chief Apostle Luvenia McClin of Sparta, Georgia, two daughters, Lillian Veal of Milledgeville, Georgia and Pipper Shawanda McClin of Greenville, South Carolina, two special daughters: Evangelist Gwendolyn Tucker, and Linda Tucker, three sons; Christopher (Anita) McClin of Atlanta, Georgia, Apostle Judea McClin of Sparta, Georgia, Joshua (Alexis) McClin of Atlanta, Georgia. He leaves two sisters: Gloria McClin and Daisy (Philemon) Nelson; four brothers: Linton (Daisy) McClin, Jr., Sam Devereux, Jr., Bobby (Willie Mae) McClin, and James (Rita) McClin. He leaves a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

We extend a special thank you to Nurse Patricia, Encompass Health, Hospice Care Options, and Piedmont Hospital in Augusta, Georgia.

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