Wayne M. McLellan Sr.

Wayne McLellan, Sr. July 22, 1947- December 15, 2024

Wayne Melcher McLellan, Sr., of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Oak View Rehabilitation and Health Center in Orange Park, Florida. 

Born and raised in Raymond, Maine, Wayne graduated from Westbrook High School in 1965 before joining the United States Air Force. He proudly served his country for 20 years, including during the Vietnam War, retiring in 1985. A lifetime member of the VFW, Wayne held various offices and remained deeply committed to supporting fellow veterans. 

While serving in Vietnam, Wayne met the love of his life, Irene Alice Forbes, through her stepbrother. They married on August 30, 1969, and shared 54 wonderful years together until Irene’s passing in January 2024. Their life together was filled with adventure as they traveled the world during Wayne’s military career before settling in Maine upon his retirement. They later lived in Missouri, Texas and eventually made their home in Jacksonville, Florida, in 2017. 

Wayne held several positions throughout his post-military career, including over a decade of service with the State of Delaware. Wayne’s faith was central to his life. He and Irene were active members of Oceanway Church, where they served as greeters and participated on the family life committee. 

Wayne cherished time with his grandchildren and had a lifelong passion for the Boston Red Sox. He also enjoyed playing fantasy baseball with loved ones and valued the bonds he shared with his siblings and their families. 

Wayne is preceded in death by his beloved wife Irene; his parents Bertha and Ambrose McLellan; and his brother-in-law Richard Hamlin. He is survived by his children Terry McLellan (husband Troy Ballard), Wayne Jr. (wife Barbara), Jaime (fiancée Pearl Kuan-Yi Lu), and Anthony (wife Karen); grandchildren Rebecca, Foster, James, Andrew, and Allyson; foreign exchange student Ferdinand Eimler; and many extended family members. 

Services will be held on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Oceanway Church, 12240 Sago Ave W, Jacksonville, FL. Friends may call at 10 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd., Jacksonville, FL at 2 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org. 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Cedar Bay Funeral Home 

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