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- [S16] Obituary.
February 16, 1936 ~ July 7, 2017
Lawrence Daniel McClendon (L.D.), 81, of Soddy Daisy, died peacefully in his sleep on July 7, 2017, at his home surrounded by loved ones. Lawrence was born on February 16, 1936 in Bledsoe County, Tennessee, the son of Benjamin D. and Bonnie Hendon McClendon. Lawrence was a member of Rechoboth Baptist Church.
Lawrence is survived by his devoted wife, Tanya McKenzie McClendon and their daughter Madison. When Lawrence met Tanya his life was forever changed and they spent 37 wonderful years together. After 17 years of marriage, their prayers were answered as God blessed them with their beautiful daughter Madison, who became the light of L.D.’s life. With Madison's birth, Lawrence discovered the joy of simple pleasures in life from dancing to Barney music to becoming her biggest fan while watching her perform in Terpsichord at Girls Preparatory School.
Lawrence was known to many as L.D. He was a man of few words, but deep thoughts. He is described by close friends as a remarkable man. He was also a self-made man, having nothing given to him. He attended Bledsoe County High School, then left school at age 18 and went to work for Gilbert T. Stein, who took Lawrence under his wing. Lawrence often described Gilbert Stein as the smartest man he ever knew and someone to whom he would always be indebted. Lawrence attended Kirkman Technical School at night studying construction engineering. Lawrence was always a quick study and soon began teaching the course at the instructor's request. Lawrence also excelled in his position at Stein Construction advancing from a helper to field engineer.
After 20 years Lawrence retired from Stein and started his own development company with his best friend and cousin, Olen Hendon. Lawrence had a unique ability to see a piece of raw land and envision a picturesque community with lakes and scenic views. Together with Olen, Lawrence brought those visions to reality. He partnered his love of construction with his talent and created many developments in Hamilton and Sequatchie counties.
Lawrence and Tanya overcame significant personal tragedies during their marriage. Lawrence was born with a rare genetic muscle disorder called McArdle’s disease. Undiagnosed until he was 64 years old, he never let the effects of the disease keep him from the work he loved or enjoying life even when later in life he was confined to a wheelchair.
Lawrence was a prominent businessman in the community of Soddy Daisy and Sequatchie County for many years. He was an advisor and confidant to all who came asking for advice on property and a multitude of other issues.
Lawrence was also a generous supporter of his church, Rechoboth Baptist and his community through sponsorship of athletic teams, benevolent organizations, and public servants. Lawrence was a loyal patriot to his country and an avid Donald Trump supporter.
Lawrence is survived by his sons Allen and Danny, his siblings Rita Clendenen (Bill), Hollis McClendon (Glenda), Larry Joe McClendon (Linda), his sister-in-law Tina Cheatham (Robert) and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Lawrence was preceded in death by his first wife Eula Dodd McClendon and daughter Connie McClendon.
The family will receive friends at Williamson Funeral Home in Soddy Daisy, TN on Sunday, July 9, 2017, from 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm and Monday July 10, 2017, beginning at 11:00 am. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm in the funeral home Chapel with Pastor Alan Stewart, Pastor Paul Forgey and speaker Shane Harmon officiating. Entombment will be immediately after the service at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
In Lieu of flowers, and in keeping with Lawrence’s appreciation for his daughter’s education, donations are requested to be made to the Girls Preparatory School Fine Arts program or the Bright School tuition fund.
Condolences and memories can be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.
Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379.
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1936 - 2017 (81 years)
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