Edward Lee McLelland Jr., 76, passed away peacefully at his home on September 1, 2025.
Ed was born in Statesville, N.C., on October 10, 1948, to Edward Lee McLelland Sr. and Mildred Mayberry McLelland, who preceded him in death. He was a graduate of Statesville Senior High School, Appalachian State University (BS) and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (M. Ed.) He served with the North Carolina Army National Guard from 1970-1976.
Ed taught U.S. Government and Economics at D. Matt Thompson Junior High and Statesville Senior High schools. Ed enjoyed working with ninth graders, often stating “they’re impressionable and just a fun age to be around.” He created many lasting relationships with students throughout his career and was often referred to as coach, mentor, friend, and father figure.
Ed married Marsha Englebert McLelland in 1972. She preceded him in death in 2013 after 41 years of marriage. In 1974, Ed and Marsha moved to Brady Lane, where he became a “neighborhood dad” and claimed his neighbors as the “best in Iredell County.”
Ed was a life-long member of Front Street Baptist Church and a member of the West Iredell Ruritans Club for over 30 years. He enjoyed playing thumb and finger guitar, gardening, spending time in the mountains, visiting friends, piddlin’, and telling mostly true stories, and he loved to laugh.
Ed is survived by his current wife and constant companion, Lydia Calloway McLelland; daughters Dana (David) Waugh and Jill McLelland; step-daughter Emily (Jamie) Denny and granddaughter Elizabeth; step-son Adam (Megan) Calloway; sister Nancy (Tim) Shields Dearman; brother-in-law, Mark Englebert; several nieces and nephews, extended family, and many others who loved him, including childhood friend Donna (Steve) Sommers, the farmers, and the Wednesday night supper crew.
Ed loved to live. He loved his family and his country, but most importantly he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
A celebration of life will be held at Front Street Baptist Church on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 3 p.m. with Pastor Troy Skora and Pastor Jarrod Hoffman officiating. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the service.
Donations may be made in his memory to The Good News Club, c/o Front Street Baptist Church, 1403 W. Front Street, Statesville, NC 28677, or the West Iredell Fire Department, 2136 Old Mountain Road, Statesville, NC 28625, or Purple Heart Homes, 755 Washington Avenue, Statesville, NC 28677.
The family would like to thank cardiologist Dr. James Bradford (retired) and to give special acknowledgment to Dr. Sam Stout who provided Ed with over 40 years of care and friendship.
Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.