Wendell Carl McClurg

Wendell Carl McClurg, 74, of Morehead, made his transition from Earth and watched his first sunrise from Heaven on August 26, 2020, following extensive recent heart surgery.

He was born March 26, 1946 in Rowan County Kentucky. Wendell was the sixth child born to the late Emmitt and Cloie (Smedley) McClurg.

Wendell founded Acorn Industries in 1984, Diamond Forest Resources in 1985, both in Morehead, and Clear Creek Hardwoods in 1988, in Grayson. After a successful extended career in the hardwood industry, Wendell opened A.D.M Auto Sales in Morehead in 2008.

Wendell served for four years in the U.S. Navy and received his Associate Degree in Business in 1972 while living in Florida.

He was a member of the Phelps Lodge #482 in Farmers, KY, Better Life Church in Morehead, KY and the Kentucky Forest Industries Association.

Wendell lovingly embraced his duties of “Papaw” to Will and Josh. In the community, he was best known for his insatiable love of cars. He spent his later years enjoying being an avid collector of classic cars making trips all over the United States to bring home his next favorite find. Wendell also dearly loved his Better Life Church community.

On August 20, 1967, Wendell married Janet Susan “Sue” McKinney, the love of his life and began a beautiful journey creating a life together.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Sue McClurg; two sons, Todd (Tammy) McClurg of Morehead, Chris (Heather) McClurg of Lexington; grandchildren: Will and Josh, step-grandchild Jeremy; two step great grandchildren, Nash and Kiley; two sisters, Lorena Arnett Reynolds of Morehead and Polly (Jackie) Roberts of Morehead; one brother, Winston (Jeri) McClurg of Morehead.  

He was preceded in death by his sister, Lee Madill, and his brother, Wilbur McClurg, both of Florida, and his parents, Emmitt and Cloie (Smedley) McClurg of Morehead.  He also leaves behind extended family and many friends. 

Wendell’s divine plan was extended several times when he lived beyond medical expectations, not once, but several times throughout his 74 years on Earth. God has been so kind to give us this time to create wonderful memories of a life well lived.

The family extends their gratitude for all the prayers supporting them.

A celebration of life will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, August 29, 2020, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Pastor Daniel Lucas and Brother Mark Poston officiating.  For those who prefer to participate virtually, the service will be live streamed at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Facebook page beginning at 1 p.m.  Burial will follow at Brown Cemetery with full military honors by Morehead American Legion Post 126.

Pallbearers:  Josh, Will and Tommy McClurg, Jeremy Glover, J. Greenhill, and Jamie Roberts.  Honorary Pallbearers:  Jackson Greenhill, Jackie Roberts, Dennis Davis, Dennis Adkins, Daniel Tackett, and Bobby Stevens.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the service at 1 p.m. Saturday at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Better Life Church (in memory of Wendell), 111 BLC Road, Morehead, KY 40351 or St. Claire Foundation, Cardiac-Rehab Fund (in memory of Wendell), 222 Medical Circle, Morehead, KY 40351.

COVID-19 regulations as set forth by the state will be observed. 

View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com

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