Arthur “Paul” McClellan

Arthur “Paul” McClellan, Sr, 89, passed peacefully Thursday, May 20, 2021. Graveside Services were conducted Sunday, May 23 at Sardis United Methodist Church – Waukeenah Highway. Family and friends gathered following services to share a glass of “Grandpa Paul’s Sweet Tea.”
Paul served the Jefferson County farming community as County Manager for the USDA’s Farm Service Agency for 30 years until retiring, and then as a member of the Board of Directors for a total of 52 years of service. A lifelong resident of Jefferson County, he made his home and continued to cultivate the family farm his grandfather established in 1900. Paul’s farming experiences ranged from cattleman to large field crop production, but Paul is remembered well for growing gardens larger than were needed in order to share with others who were glad to receive gifts of a variety of vegetables, fruits, Silver Queen Corn and home-made grape jelly.
In addition to cattle, the homestead became a menagerie of animal life for the delight of grandchildren, elementary school field trips, birthday parties, and for many other visitors to the farm. Beyond the farm, many of the animals were found in the cast of the annual “Bethlehem in Monticello” live nativity including sheep, donkeys and Akbar the Camel!
In retirement, Paul refined his gifts of craftsmanship creating cabinetry, porch swings and an impressive small-scale model of the 1900 Family Farm. Paul also began cultivating and air layering a variety of Camelias that adorn the farmhouse yard and many other homes in the county, again received as gifts of Paul’s green thumb.
Paul’s hospitality was extended to family, friends and community to be gathered at the farm each Thanksgiving for the annual McClellan Family Cane Grinding and Syrup-Making. The large, screened porch of the home, known as “Fellowship Hall,” hosted two annual family reunions, the Jefferson County High School Class of 1952 Reunion, square dances, peanut boils and Christmas Eve receptions.
Paul is survived by his children: Marcia McClellan, Art McClellan (Faith), Wm Steve McClellan (Lisa), eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Sardis Memorial United Methodist Church’s Community Needs Fund.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Always be eager practice hospitality. – Romans 12:12-13.