Chester Joe McLendon

Mr. Chester Joe McLendon 84, Owner and Operator of McLendon Funeral Home passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at his home.

Greatness is not found in possession, money, power, positions, titles, or prestige. Greatness is discovered in truth, goodness, humility, integrity, character, and service to our fellow man. Such was the life of Deacon Chester Joe McLendon. Deacon Chester Joe McLendon was born to the late Ben Steele and Mary Ella McLendon on May 20, 1942 in Richmond County, North Carolina. On Monday, August 11, 2026, Deacon Chester Joe McLendon received his final call. Educated in the public schools of Richmond County, North Carolina, he attended Mineral Springs High School, graduating in the Class of 1961. Deacon Chester, later entered the Funeral Service Program at Fayetteville Technical Community College, graduating in 1990. His Work Chester J. McLendon started working early in his life. A few of his early work experiences included cleaning houses, catching chickens, and finally, he served as a safety patrol officer at Mineral Springs School. He took that job very seriously. He actually thought that he was a certified police officer. After a brief living experience in the City of New York, Chester returned to Ellerbe. He began working with N. C. Mutual Insurance Company in July of 1965. Chester was the company's top sales person. His hard work was awarded with travel vacations throughout the world. He shared these vacations with his beautiful wife, Annie. They enjoyed traveling to places like New York, Mexico City, Atlanta, Georgia, Canada, and Florida. Chester McLendon's desire for success continued and through his hard work and determination, his dream of owning his own funeral home, became a reality. McLendon Funeral Home has served the people of the Richmond County Community for over fifty years! His Service To God Deacon Chester Joe McLendon loved God! At a very early age, Deacon Chester became a member of Saint Luke Freewill Baptist Church (#1) He has served his beloved church in many capacities. Starting in 1963, as the Superintendent of the Sunday School, President of the Twilight Gospel Singers, Chairman of the Trustee and Deacon Boards, Usher, and finally as the Church Treasurer. Deacon Chester was a Bible Scholar! His knowledge of God's word, was a direct result of his faithfulness and participation in Bible study night at St. Luke's. Deacon Chester Joe McLendon didn't care what was going on in the world on that particular night, he was going to be at Bible study! God was the very strength of Deacon Chester's life. Deacon Chester's Final Words "Remember that the only Bible a person may read is you. Because you are the Bible."

His Love of Family Chester loved his family, and laid their foundational success by following three simple principles; First, love and honor God with all of your heart. Secondly, maintain a good reputation, and lastly, always be honest in everything that you do. Deacon Chester J. McLendon is preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Betty, Jesse, Robert, and William. His Legacy of Love He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Annie Covington McLendon; his beautiful daughters, Shelia (Timothy), and Tonya; Grandchildren, Mick ( Kyia), Isaiah, and Jeremiah; Stephany; Grandchildren, Nathaniel ( Hydia), and Hannah; and Great-Grandchild, Antoniyus;Sister-laws, Mattie and Nellie McLendon, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Precious memories shall always remain with the McLendon Funeral Home Staff, his colleague and friend, Gary Overcash, and his Sons in Funeral Service, Rev. Jeff Person, and John T. Peoples. Thank you God for the Life and Legacy of Chester Joe McLendon!