It is with profound sadness, yet with the blessed hope of the
day of resurrection that we announce the passing of our
beloved, Thomas Harold McLean, 79, of McDonough, GA.
He is the proud and loving husband of Elizabeth Small McLean.

Viewing & Visitation
Wednesday
March 16, 2022,
McLendon Funeral Home,
1429 Greenlake Road, Ellerbe, N. C.
2:00 pm until 6:00 pm

Funeral Services
Thursday
March 17, 2022
St. Luke's (#1) Free Will Baptist Church
Ellerbe, N. C.
10:00 am

Service of Commendation
Military Honors
Committal, Closing Prayer & Benediction
Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery
Spring Lake, North Carolina

His Life and Legacy

Greatness is not found in possession, money, power, position or prestige. Greatness is discovered in truth, goodness, humility, integrity, character and service to our fellow man. Such was the life of Thomas Harold McLean.
Thomas was born to the late Doctor and Esther McLean, on September 27th, 1942 in Cumberland County,
North Carolina. He was the first born of five children to his parents.

His Death
Thomas Harold McLean received his final and most honorable discharge on February 26, 2022 at Sacred Journey
Hospice. He is now resting in the arms of the Supreme Commander himself, Jesus Christ.

His Education
Thomas attended the public school systems. Upon graduating from Mineral Springs High School, he journeyed
to New Jersey for employment. Seeking a better opportunity, Thomas decided to follow the family tradition and
legacy, by joining the United States Army.

His Work

Thomas' military career began upon his entry into active duty at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Harold met the love
of his life, Elizabeth (Liz) Smalls while he was stationed at Fort Gillem in Georgia. All of their nieces and nephews became their biological children. After serving our nation for 27 years, 11 months and 19 days his military
service would end at Fort McPherson, Georgia. In his distinguished military career, he served in many capacities,
Senior Supply, Sergeant Supervisor, Instructor and Management Operations, are a few of those positions.

His Medals and Citations

Meritorious Service Medal Army Commendation, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal,
National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expedition Medal. Mr. McLean
has represented his family and community with exemplary service. Upon retiring from active duty he continued
to serve by joining the U.S. Postal Service.

His Service to God
Thomas McLean's faith and Christian foundation were established at Saint Luke's Freewill Baptist Church. It was
here that he was taught the principles that would later guide his life and career. Harold was a Shriner, serving as a
member of Shiloh Lodge, located in Hopewell,Virginia.

His Love of Family

Harold served as the "Patriarch" of the McLean family. Harold loved his family dearly, and he always enjoyed
his return trips home for the family reunion and to visit his mother, siblings, cousins, and friends. There was
excitement throughout Ellerbe, especially when people saw his little red truck. They would ask, "Is that Harold
McLean"? McLean, Harold, Hariod, Uncle Harry, and Abdullah Raheem, is loved by many, and his presence will
truly be missed! Harold is predeceased by his parents, and sister, Carolyn V. Deese (Rodney).

His Legacy of Love

Harold will be forever cherished by his loving wife of twenty-four years Elizabeth "Liz" Smalls. Sisters; Gloria
Harris, Estherleen Williams, and Susan Francis. Mother-In-Love; Gussie M. Singleton. Sister-in-laws: Priscilla A.
Gilliam (Willie, Jr.) and Felicia Harris (Antoinee). Brother in-laws; Stanley Smalls, Allen Smalls (Denita), Marvin
Smalls (Shirley), Kevin Singleton (LaTanzia), Evon Singleton (Thyiatira) and Donald Hipp (Roxann). Uncles;
Richard Smalls, Benjamin Webb, Cleveland Fripp and Ron Fripp. Aunts; Evelyn Howard (Fermis), Louise Fripp;
Edith Miller (Charles), Victory Jenkins (Franklin), Dorothy Webb, Eva Smalls, Evelyn Toppin, Helen Smalls,
Ruthie Smalls, Alvena Smalls and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family is especially grateful
to Jasper Moon, Norman Johnson, Harold Hall, Felicia and Danny McDuffie, Bruce Green, Beverly Jacobs, Willie
Carl, Fred Steele, Morris Campbell and William Singleton.