Obituary of Charles McClellan

OBITUARTY Charles Douglas McClellan was born on August 15, 1944 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Charles Nathaniel McClellan and Helen Toland. Charles was the eldest of six children. His sister Joan McClellan preceded him into enteral rest. After 20 days as a patient at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden NJ. He was discharged to Palliative Care. Seven days later (biblically with the number seven symbolizing perfection and completion) heaven received an angel and Charles peacefully transition into eternal rest on July 25, 2024. Charles was raised in Philadelphia P.A. and educated in the Philadelphia Catholic School System before joining the US Army. Charles was a machinist operator and retired from The Philadelphia Local # 115. Charles was a faithful member of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church where he loved to serve the lord and be of service. He served in several auxiliaries within the church such as: the Senior Usher Board, he taught the following classes: Bible Study, New Members, Men's Disciple, Layman’s, and Spiritual Gifts. He was a graduate of Moody Bible College. While Charles & Etta were both active members of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. With the assistance of Willie Dale-Gilchrist the matchmaker. Charles the distinguished gentleman asked Etta “I would like to take you out on a date”, and the courtship began. The scripture says: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and receives favor from the Lord” Proverbs 18:22. Charles Douglas McClellan and Etta Clark were united in holy matrimony before God, family and friends on May 15, 2009 at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Camden, NJ, and the two would became one. Although Charles and Etta would reside in Camden, NJ. Charles was a proud native of North Philadelphia a true “OG”. When he walked into the room the coordination of his attire was EVERYTHING! On Sunday morning he would dress in a 3-piece suit, shoes, a brim hat and every outfit had that 1 special accessory. The tooth cocked to the side sticking out of his mouth! It was through his love for fashion he earned the nicknames: “Dougie Fresh and Charlie Mack.” The man was sharp, if you didn’t know any better on Sunday mornings you would ask Charles “Are you going to ​ church? Or walking in a runway fashion show today”. The man was cleannnnnnn. Charles enjoyed spending time with his wife, sitting on the front steps of their lovely home, enjoying the spring days and the summer nights. Watching his wife as she watered the grass and attended to their beautiful rose tree. Charles was a craftsman and enjoyed working with his hands. He loved to cook and enjoyed preparing mouthwatering soul food dishes and creating beautiful wood shop pieces. Football was his favorite sport, and he was an avid Philadelphia Eagles Fan. Charles loved to dance and would cut the rug doing the cha-cha and the bop. He enjoyed the arts, and his favorite genre of music was jazz and music from the 60 ‘s, 70’s and 80’s. Growing up in Philadelphia where the founding fathers of Philadelphia International Records and music pioneers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff created the smooth sound of TSOP (The Sounds of Philadelphia). TSOP had many artists but some of Charles’s favorites were Patty LaBelle, Teddy Pendergrass, The O'Jays, and Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. If Charles was speaking, he would say “I’m a Philly Cat through and through.” But let’s not forget the Motown Review with his favorite artists: The Temptations, Marve Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, The Commodores and Gladys Knight & The Pimps. The song he dedicated to his wife and is his favorite song of all time was Freddie Jacksons “You Are My Lady”. Charles leaves to cherish his memories; his loving and dedicated wife Etta Clark- McClellan, one daughter; Shemeena McClellan, two sons; Darnell Reaves and Brian Reaves (Wanda), four sister; Elizabeth McClellan, Carolyn McClellan, Pearl McClellan, and Ruby McClellan, two very special daughters; Chamira Adams and Tamika Muse, and one special sons; Irving Clark III, 16 grandchildren, 4 great- grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends