Funeral Services for Mr. Jerry D. McClendon, age 80 of Cragford, will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026 at Mellow Valley Baptist Church at 1:00 P.M. with Lemuel Burell, Elder James “Buster” McClendon, and Pastor Jon Adams officiating. Burial will follow at the Clay County Memory Gardens.
Mr. McClendon passed away at his home on July 22, 2026. Mr. McClendon was a native of Trussville, Alabama and a former resident of Springville, Alabama. He lived the past 27 years in Clay County. He was a member of Mellow Valley Baptist Church.
Mr. McClendon was not a stranger to hard work. He grew up on a dairy farm in Jefferson County and attended Hewitt High School. As a young adult, he served in the U.S. Army and the Army National Guard. Upon returning to the Jefferson County area he was employed as a mechanic, and later as a maintenance supervisor for AmSouth Corporation. He began his own construction business in the mid 1980s where he completed multiple projects in the greater Jefferson County Area. In 1999 he and his wife moved to Clay County and he continued working in building construction until he retired in 2009. Jerry always enjoyed working with horses and livestock, and took great pride in his farm. Mr. McClendon also served diligently in his church, having taught Sunday school classes and serving in other leadership capacities. He enjoyed investing time and encouragement in the lives of others, especially teenagers and young adults. He could often be found sharing stories and laughter with his friends over a strong cup of coffee. He was well respected by the members of his community. He found small ways to help and serve his neighbors. He and his wife enjoyed traveling until the last couple years. At that time, he began facing health issues that limited his exploring spirit. A dedicated family man, he found joy in spending time with his wife, daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren. His greatest hope was in his Lord and Savior whom he readily shared with anyone who would listen. He left behind a legacy of love and faith that will not be forgotten.
Mr. McClendon is survived by his wife of 59 years, Libby Amason McClendon of Cragford; two daughters, Kelly Jordan (Jacob) of Cragford and Tera Farrow (Wesley) of Dadeville, Alabama; one sister Myra Bowlin of Ashville, Alabama; and five grandchildren, Rafe, Melody and Coy Jordan of Cragford and Hannah and Trent Farrow of Dadeville, Alabama.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Willard and Wilma McClendon; two sisters, Martha Jane Dunaway and Linda Taylor; one brother Arthur McClendon.
Pallbearers were Rafe Jordan, Trent Farrow, Coy Jordan, Jacob Jordan, Wesley Farrow, James “Buster” McClendon, and Matthew Dunaway.
His visitation will take place on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at Mellow Valley Baptist Church beginning at 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. He will lie in state for one hour on Monday, July 27, 2026 at the church beginning at 12:00 P.M> until service time at 1:00 P.M.
Send online condolences to benefieldfuneralhome.com
Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of arrangements.
