With deep love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Nelson Wayne McClish—a devoted husband, cherished father, and faithful friend. Born in Arkansas on October 8, 1943, Nelson lived a life marked by service, compassion, and unwavering faith. At the age of 82, he left his Earthly home on November 8, 2025.
He retired from the Florence Police Department after 20+years of honorable service and served 6yrs as Chaplain with the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Posse. His heart for ministry led him to serve as an Evangelist, Pastor, and Preacher for 40 years, touching countless lives with his wisdom, kindness, and spiritual guidance.
Nelson’s greatest joy was his family. He was a loving husband to the Late Eddie Marie White Mcclish, whom he now joins in Heaven, and a proud father to his children, Waynette Marie McClish, Kristie Lynn McClish, Dorothy Lucille McClish, Judy Kay McClish Embery (Leon) He was a steady, prayerful presence in their lives-always offering encouragement, laughter, and unconditional love. Nelson (Wayne) Also leaves behind Sisters, Lynda Wilemon (Robert), Sandra Hatfield (Jack), and Numerous Nieces and Nephews; He adored his grandchildren, Daren Dulaney(Kassie), Laynette Dulaney, Nelson A. McClish (Amber), Kristie Wood(Tyler), Eddie Embery; Great Grandchildren, Evan Dulaney, Scarlette Dulaney, Karson Dulaney, Saylie, Brynleigh Trusty, Tatum Wood, Scarlett Wood, Kanyon McClish he was a guiding light to them, sharing cowboy wisdom, scripture, and stories that will live on in their hearts.
His love extended to his church family and community, where he was known for his warm smile, gentle spirit, and faithful service.
Nelson also had a lifelong love for horses, finding peace and purpose in the saddle. Whether riding through quiet pastures or serving alongside the Sheriff’s Posse, he felt closest to God in the rhythm of hoofbeats and the wide-open Alabama sky.
He leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and friendship— a life well-lived and a soul well-loved.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Elvis & Lucille McClish; son Arnold Ray McClish; wife, Eddie Marie White McClish; brother, James JE’ McClish; granddaughter, Cheyenne Kay Embery; great- grandson, Kamron
Gene Dulaney.
A celebration will be held at Acts Church (Apostolic Church of the Shoals) Thursday, November 13, 2025, visitation from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM with the service beginning immediately after with Pastor Nelson A. McClish officiating. The Graveside service will follow at Murphy’s Chapel Cemetery with Rev. Johnny Barnhill.
