Robert McClellan, Jr. a decorated United States Army veteran and devoted fisherman, was born on August 25, 1938, in Okolona, Arkansas. He was the son of Robert McClellan Sr. and Daisy Young, and was delivered by his aunt, Mattie Brown, who was a midwife.
As a young boy, Robert moved with his mother to Benton Harbor, Michigan. After her passing at the age of 43, he remained in Michigan with his stepfather. Robert graduated from Benton Harbor High School on June 4, 1958. He later trained as a welder and completed welding school on February 26, 1978.
Robert enlisted in the United States Army on November 23, 1963. During his military service, he received numerous decorations, medals, badges, and commendations, including the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze service star, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Combat Infantryman Badge, Sharpshooter Badge with rifle bars for the M-16 and M-14, and Expert Infantryman Badge. His military education and training included the Geneva Conventions, Code of Conduct, CBR training, Vietnam training, and Method of Instruction training.
Robert met Renee Gonzalez, and they were married on January 2, 2000. After retiring, he returned to Arkansas and settled in Gurdon, where he cared for his father, Robert McClellan Sr. Their bond deepened through the many hours they spent fishing together—a pastime Robert especially loved.
Though Robert was a private man, he never met a stranger. He passed away peacefully at home in Gurdon on November 7, 2026.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert McClellan Sr.; his mother, Daisy Young; and his siblings.
Robert leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Renee Gonzalez McClellan, of Gurdon, Arkansas; his special cousins, Gilda Faye McClellan and Gary McClellan, both of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and Maxine Massey and Soyia Smith, both of Conway, Arkansas; and his beloved cat, Nubs.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.
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