Col. (Ret) Melvin Jackson McLemore, 85 of Athens, passed away on Tuesday, June 11th, 2024, at Huntsville Hospital. Col. McLemore was born on October 29th, 1938, in Athens, to Grady and Ruby Pugh McLemore.
His 30 year military career as an US Active Duty Officer consists of time in the Signal, Aviation, and Air Traffic Control Services. His civilian service following military retirement includes 15 years with Defense Industry with Allied Signal and SAIC. He also served approximately 10 years as Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 511 Treasurer. In this capacity, his service was recognized by the National Vietnam War Museum in 2024.
Col. McLemore is survived by his wife of 63 years, Wanda Crow McLemore; daughters Stormy Sandi McLemore Ripley (Jim) and Deborah Ann McLemore McClendon (Bryan); and grandchildren Shane, Christina, Brandon, and Catherine.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Grady and Ruby McLemore.
Funeral services for Col. McLemore will be Friday, June 14th, 2024, at 2:00pm at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday from 12:00-1:50pm at the funeral home. Burial will be at Roselawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jim Ripley, Bryan McClendon, Shane Ripley, James Burch, Austin Crews, and Jack Massengill. Following the burial, a reception dinner with the family will be held at the Alabama Veteran’s Museum. The family requests patriotic colors be worn for the service.
Families can either send flowers to Limestone Chapel Funeral Home for the service, or make donations in Col. McLemore’s memory to the Alabama Veteran’s Museum, located at 114 Pryor Street, Athens AL 35611.
