John S. McClellan, Sr.

John Sosted McClellan, 93, of Crossville, Tennessee, passed away quietly after a brief illness on June 2, 2026. John is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his children, Janice McClellan Conroy (Bill), John Jr. (Lisa), Michael and Timothy, nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

John was born on July 10, 1932, in Evanston, Illinois to George and Edith McClellan. He attended the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana before enlisting in the United States Coast Guard in 1951. Serving aboard the USCGC Iroquois, a Pacific high-endurance cutter, he earned the National Defense, Korean Service, and United Nations Service Medals before receiving an honorable discharge in 1954. He came home to build a life with the love of his life.

In August of 1955 John married Shirley Mae Johnson. John and Shirl grew up in the same Evanston neighborhood, played on the same playgrounds, and became childhood sweethearts. John knew he would be with Shirl forever. They spent the next sixty-eight years side by side as husband and wife and best friends.

John joined Illinois Bell in 1955, climbing telephone poles and learning the business from the ground up. From lineman to installer to switchman he literally climbed the corporate telephone pole – and when he was recruited into management, he was ready. He ran three business offices over his career, and every one of them became a top performer. He retired from Ameritech in 1986.

John’s leadership extended beyond the workplace. He served as a Cub Scout Pack Master in Wilmette, growing the pack into one of the largest in the area. He was actively involved in the Kiwanis Club and the Wilmette-Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce. John remodeled three family homes during his years on the Northshore – always seeing not what a house was, but what a house could become.

In 1988, John and Shirl retired to Dandridge, Tennessee. Over the thirty-two years in Dandridge, they built two incredible homes located on Douglas Lake. John served as the general contractor to the homes he and Shirl designed. Summers were filled with family and friends. John continued his leadership abilities and became an active member of the Ruritan Club. During his time with Ruritan local soccer fields were developed. John also played a key role in building the community Yacht Club’s Fourth of July boat parade into a beloved annual tradition. John enjoyed the outdoors and took pride in maintaining his property. He treasured long drives with Shirl through the Smoky Mountains. They often took float boat trips on Douglas Lake discovering new coves along the way.

John was most proud of his family. He appreciated every success his family had and would provide a supportive voice when life challenges developed. He enjoyed details of anything his family did. His grandchildren were treated as adults and became part of discussions. He loved a healthy debate with everyone.

In 2020 John and Shirl moved to Crossville, Tennessee.

When Shirl passed in July of 2023, John chose to remain in the home they had shared. At ninety years old he learned to carry on. He acquired the ability to meal plan, shop, keep the house together and endure life without his best friend. He even developed his own recipes, including his signature breakfast sandwich. John met and created genuine friendships with wonderful caring neighbors.

He carried Shirl with him every day until the end.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley Mae (Johnson) McClellan, and his sister, Joan McClellan Lundregan.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date.