John Robert McLendon

John Robert McLendon, 73 passed away peacefully at Moore Regional Hospital on Sunday, February 7th after several years of declining health. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday at Ephesus Baptist Church Cemetery.

He was born in Lee County, son of Willie Thomas McLendon Sr and Margaret Harrington McLendon. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Patterson Andrews and husband William Andrews, and special cousin Robert E. McLendon. His father and mother in laws Walter L. Brown and Frances U. Brown, and brother-in-law Harold Ray Brown.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years Marie Brown McLendon, son Jeffrey Thomas McLendon and girlfriend Bobbie Harman, daughter Jamie Nicole McAlpin, son in law Nick McAlpin, and granddaughter Stella Blue McAlpin. Sister Peggy Coggin and husband Jimmie Coggin, brother W.T. McLendon II. and wife Nancy McLendon. Sister- in-law Margo Mazerolle, and husband Marc. Several special nieces and nephews.

John graduated at Greenwood High School. He started working in high school at American service station, was a mechanic at Womble Chevrolet, and sold parts for Sanford Auto before becoming a Matco Tools Distributor in 1979 for 39 years. He loved and enjoyed his many customers in Lee, Moore, Harnett, and Chatham counties. John had a mechanical mind and was always repairing or fixing something. He was very much a people person, and never met a stranger. He and Marie enjoyed many years of Matco trips, conventions, and meeting with other distributors. They also enjoyed many annual trips with special friends Bill & Pam Stephens, and Larry & Donna Jackson.

John was a member of Ephesus Baptist Church. He was a member and past president of Sanford Jaycees, State JCI Senator, and also member and past president of Sanford Exchange Club. He also participated in many projects & committees in those clubs.

John was a wonderful, loving, caring husband, father, brother, and Papa.

Donations can be made to Ephesus Baptist Church for Samaritan Purse Shoebox ministry, 2724 White Hill Road, Sanford, NC 27332.