David Owen McLelland Sr., 94, of Statesville, N.C., passed away Monday, October 25, 2021, at the Gordon Hospice House. Born in Iredell County on September 5, 1927, he was the son of the late G.T. “Teb” McLelland and Mattie Daniels McLelland.
In addition to his parents, David was also preceded in death by three brothers, Floyd, Clay and Henry McLelland; two sisters, Texie Harmon and Rowena McLelland; two sons, David Owen McLelland Jr. and infant Douglas McLelland; and two grandchildren, Angela Smith and Myranda McLelland.
David attended Central High School and served two years in the United States Army Air Corps from 1945 to 1947.
He retired from Southern Screw Company after 33 years of service and then he retired from Manheim Statesville, formerly known as Statesville Auto Auction, after 25 years of service.
David met and married Evelyn Speece, with whom he shared 72 years of marriage before his passing. Alongside with his wife, David was a charter member of Yadkin Baptist Church, where he had served as Deacon since 1952.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Evelyn Speece McLelland; his children, Dawn Pettit, Dan McLelland, Derinda (John) Rickert, Dale McLelland and Deanna (Terry) Gaither; one brother, Giles Thad (Jeanne) McLelland; and two sisters, Bonnie Harmon and Nell Rae James.
He is further survived by one sister-in-law, Joanne McLelland; eleven grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
The family will receive friends on Friday, October 29, 2021, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Yadkin Baptist Church. The funeral service will begin at 3 p.m. in the church sanctuary with Rev. Phillip Crider, Rev. Dr. J.B. Parker and Coleman Speece officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Yadkin Baptist Church, 2980 Wilkesboro Highway, Statesville, NC 28625 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County ,2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the McLelland family.