Joe McClure, 86, of Dover, Tennessee, was called home to be with the Lord Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Tennessee State Veterans Home, Clarksville, Tennessee.
Joe was born December 14, 1936 into a meager home, one of 14 children of the late Joseph and Audrey Thompson McClure in Otsego, West Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents, 11 brothers and 2 sisters.
Growing up with a disabled father in a coal miner’s town, Joe learned the meaning of hard work and caring for others.
Joe was dedicated to his country. Joe loved his wife and family. Joe was faithful and thankful to his Lord.
Joe decided early in his life to join the U.S. Air Force. He quickly achieved the rank of sergeant and would be assigned to the Vietnam War. Joe would fly over 300 Medevac Missions bringing out wounded soldiers out of harm’s way. Joe thanked the Lord that he and his crew escaped death on a landing in Greenland when the landing gear locked shut due to cold weather whereas they did a belly landing. His actions were rewarded with a nomination to the Presidential Wing of the U.S. Air Force known as the 89th Airlift Wing. Joe was proud to serve on Air Force One as Steward with President Richard Nixon and President Gerald Ford, along with their vice presidents, cabinet members and dignitaries, also serving with Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey.
After retirement, many of his SAMFOX crew members held reunions to reminisce about the years working side by side. Joe also spent many hours giving talks to school children about his childhood and providing inspiration to them. Joe was a successful businessman, working for Ed Bogard Realty for several years.
After receiving his license in real estate and auctioneer, he opened ABC Realty in Clarksville, Tennessee.
Joe loved the Lord. He and his family were members of Big Rock Baptist Church and later in life, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.
Joe was a loving, caring and supportive husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and loyal friend.
Joe married the love of his life, just after joining the Air Force, Bernice McClure Wednesday, December 18, 1963. She was a loving, devoted and supportive wife and mother to their children, sons: Joey McClure (Cindy), Troy McClure (Cindy), and Michael McClure; daughter: Michelle McClure; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Wednesday, February 15, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will resume Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. and continue until the hour of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. David Whitehead and Bro. Joe Shannon officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Indian Mound, Tennessee with full military honors.
Those serving as pallbearers are Joey McClure, Troy McClure, Michael McClure, O’Neal Johnson, John (JW) Elliott and Ricky Joiner.
Arrangements are entrusted to Anglin Funeral Home, Dover, TN and online condolences may be made at anglinfuneralhome.com.