Gary McClelland
Troy | Save
Gary Lynn McClelland, 77, of Troy, IL, passed away peacefully at 6:40 p.m. Sat. Sept. 26, 2026 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL.
He was born July 21, 1949 in Granite City.
Gary married Carol Clemons on Feb. 29, 1972 in St. Louis, MO. She survives.
Gary was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend whose greatest joy in life was his family. More than anything, he loved people around him, and there was nowhere he would rather be than with those he loved. He was a man who loved his routines and found comfort in the familiar rhythms of everyday life. He was happiest when his family was together, especially if he was behind the grill or smoker. He loved grilling and smoking meat, experimenting with new recipes with his son, and finding something new for everyone to try.
He also loved golf and football. He especially treasured watching football with his grandson, Jayden. The two could talk endlessly about players, teams, games and statistics, and those conversations became memories that will be cherished forever. Nothing made him prouder than his children and grandchildren. He loved watching his grandchildren play sports, attending their activities, and seeing each of them pursue the things they loved. Their accomplishments mattered so much to him.
Throughout his illness, Gary showed the same determination that defined the way he lived his life. He never gave up. Even on the hardest days, he continued to fight. His strength, determination, and love for his family were evident until the very end. Those who knew him will remember far more than the things he enjoyed. They will remember the man who loved his family and friends, who found happiness in the simple moments, who valued his routines, who showed up for the people he loved, and who never stopped fighting.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by 2 children, Josh (Jennifer) McClelland of Huntersville, NC, and Karen Simpson of Troy, IL, 4 grandchildren, Evan (Breanna) Hendrickson, Paige McClelland, Jayden Simpson and Kaylynn “KK” Simpson, a brother, Roger (Michelle) Mueller of Staunton, IL, and a sister, Brenda Underwood of Pontiac, IL.
He was preceded in death by his father, Forrest McClelland, mother, Lorene (Woodard) Mueller, step-father, Darwin Mueller, and a brother, Wayne McClelland.
Services are private.
Arrangements with online information and guestbook through Wojstrom Funeral Home & Crematory may be found at www.wojstrom.com.
Wojstrom Funeral Home & Crematory Inc
