McLEMORE, Sr., Donald Rodney

Age 60, a lifelong resident of Dayton, passed away May 12, 2021, at Miami Valley Hospital. Born to loving mother Gail McLemore on June 29, 1960, Donald graduated from Nettie Lee Roth High School, Class of 1978, with honors and was a proud participant in the Beautillion Militaire. Beau Donald received his formal education from Central State and Wright State Universities. He was employed by several firms, including the General Motors, NCR, and Monsanto Corporations. Answering the great call of commission, he founded, owned, and co-operated his Ministry Trotwood Christian Academy starting in 1996. Donald was preceded in death by his beloved mother Gail McLemore; sister Renee McLemore; beloved aunt Leola Green; and beloved uncles Robert Green Sr. and Richard McLemore; and nephew Derrick McLemore. He leaves to cherish his memory, loving and devoted wife of 42 years, Lella Bostock McLemore; loving son, Donald, Jr; loving daughter, Donica (Romel) Murray; non-biological sons, Cory Ross, Demarcus Rhines, and Dennis Rand, Jr; grandchildren, Nevayeah, Alayeah, Romel Jr., and Roland Murray; non-biological grandchildren Jayden, Amareon, Davion, and Ashiya Rand; brother Keith (Cheryl) Booker; cherished nieces Antoinette and Katrina McLemore, and Devon (Jermell) Matthews, Katana, Khalia, and Nikita Booker; longtime friend and brother in Christ, Minister Dwayne Cox; brother and sister in Christ Dr. George and Vanessa McGhee; and a host of other relatives and friends. Service on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at the First Church of the Nazarene, 7031 North Main St., Dayton, OH, at 11:00 am, with Dr. Xavier Johnson officiating with Minister Dwayne Cox to deliver eulogy. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service starting at 10 am. Interment, West Memory Gardens. Floral gifts can be sent to the above church address. Arrangements entrusted to Newcomer Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Dayton Daily News on May 20, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald McLEMORE

Sponsored by Newcomer Cremations, Funerals, & Receptions - North Dayton Chapel.

52 Entries

Kenneth McDavid

May 17, 2023

I still can´t believe that a great man like Donald is not with you. He still is a great example of true love and friendship. I´m glad he and I talked the few times that we did. I truly missed him from the time I last saw him. He still is a great example of what a man can and should be. I regret that we didn´t get to see each other before his glory. God blessed him with his wonderful wife and son and daughter and great friends and students who all have been touched by God through Donald´s life... RIH

Vanessa McGhee

May 17, 2023

Donald,
My brother and my friend. It seems like only yesterday that I spoke to Donald on the phone and we shared so much laughter.
Donald loved teasing Lella , and I about our age, and how we were so much older than he was, even though we only had him by a few months. ( smile ).

Any time I called Donald and asked for help with a math problem or anything... If he could help me, he most certainly would!

I thank the Lord for using me in a small way to bring Lella and Donald together! Those were such great times at Nettie Lee. Roth High School. And their union was such a blessing!

I thank our Heavenly Father for Donald´s beautiful wife, my sister Lella and their amazing family!

I also thank the Lord for the legacy that Donald has left. A legacy that will continue to live on through his beloved children and grandchildren.

I am eternally grateful that I had the privilege and opportunity to have known such a Great Man, A Brother, and A Friend!

You´re Sister in Christ,
Vanessa

Dwayne Cox

May 16, 2023

My Star Brother Mac! I do miss him so much. Truly a mighty man of valor. A Godly Man who not only talked the talk but walked the walk, boldly, humbly and confidently. A husband, father and role model like no other. He honored me by choosing to be my friend and brother.

May the grace and peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to rest upon the family. Celebrate all the good times and happy memories. And there are so, so many from which to choose!!

Rhonda Samson

September 6, 2021

To Mrs. Lella and the entire Mr. Donald McLemore Sr. Family
So very sorry for your loss.
There are no words...
but there are heartfelt wishes and healing thoughts.
And all are being sent your way to help comfort you during this very difficult time.
With Sympathy
God Blessings!
Rhonda Samson & daughter Laura Samson

Eddie Williams

August 28, 2021

I am sad to hear about Coach Mac. Me and the other players on the basketball team shortened Mr. McLemore's last name and started calling him Coach Mac. He was a strong and very intelligent man. My parents sent me to him to help me with my education. Coach Mac was a no nonsense kind of man.
To his wife and family, I am sorry for what you all are going through. I know how very close you are as a family. I appreciate the fact that Mr. Mac and his wife Mrs. Mac allowed me to live in their home. I remember that their adult children at the time were attending Wilberforce University. I came from Wisconsin. Mr. McLemore allowed me to attend his school to complete my senior year of high school.
I was a shooting guard for his Prep basketball team. Also while attending his school,he gave us the opportunity to play in a basketball tournament called Flying to The Hoops. He also prepared me to attend a university where I could continue my education and play Basketball. I graduated from Trotwood Christian Academy in 2006. I appreciate all that Mr. Mac did for me. No doubt about it he will be missed.

R.I.P. Coach Mac

-Eddie Williams

C"Ester Donaldson

August 25, 2021

The Donald Rodney McLemore Sr. Family
May God Be With You
May His Promise of eternal life be a comfort to you
in the loss of one so dear
You all will continue to have my love and you will be in my prayers

Sister C Ester Donaldson

Willa Frost

August 25, 2021

To the Donald McLemore Sr. Family
Thinking of you with sympathy
Though no words can hurry
What you're going through.
Please know how much you're being thought about....
and how deeply you're wished the gentle comfort of sweet memories.

Love you all!!

- Willa Frost

Davion Rand

August 20, 2021

I will always remember the good times, our family gatherings. God has you in his arms. I carry you in my heart. I love and miss you Uncle Donald.

Rest in Paradise

- Davion Rand

Jayden Rand

August 20, 2021

Uncle Donald,
Of all the many blessings however great or small,
to have had you as an uncle was the greatest one of all.
The family chain is broken now and nothing seems the same,
but as God takes us one by one the chain will link again.

I love you and miss you. Rest in Paradise Uncle Donald.

- Jayden Rand

Denita Harris

August 9, 2021

I just wanted to thank the Donald McLemore Sr. family for including me and my daughter in the invitation to the memorial Life Legacy Tribute this past Saturday, August 7th, 2021. It was so very beautiful, listening to the many testimonial of students. The information shared was wonderful especially the book about the life and legacy of Mr. Donald McLemore Sr.
Donald Jr. and his sister Donica did a great job finishing the book about their dad and his life story. The balloon launch was beautiful as well.
I would like to also add again my appreciation for all that Mr. Donald McLemore Sr. and Mrs. Lella McLemore has done for my daughter, who attended Lela's Academy of Learning. We are deeply sorry that Mr. Donald Mclemore Sr. is no longer here with us all. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.
We will continue to pray for your family. We also plan to stay in touch with your family.

Sincerely Mrs. Denita Harris
Rest In Heaven

Johnny, Vickie, & Malia Harden

August 3, 2021

To our cousins, the Donald Rodney McLemore Sr. family:
Our deepest sympathy, love and prayers to the entire family. May God comfort you all during this very difficult time.

Love,

Mr. & Mrs. John W. Harden and daughter Malia Harden

Malia Harden

August 3, 2021

As some people journey through life, they leave footprints -
of kindness and love, courage and compassion, joy and faith. Even when they're gone, the trail they've left behind continues to inspire us.
Praying God will comfort and care for you while you celebrate the legacy that lives on.
With Sympathy.
I am praying for you all during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that I care and I am always thinking of you all.

Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!
Lord, they walk in the light of Your face
- Psalm 89:15 NASB

God Bless you and love you.

Cousin Malia Harden

Pat Copely

August 1, 2021

Mrs. McLemore and family. The homegoing service honoring your husband, Mr. Donald McLemore Sr. was beautiful. I worked in the Administrative office for many years at Wilberforce University. I would like to express my condolences to your family. I know that he will be sorely missed by you and your family and so many people who he helped along the way. You both would visit Wilberforce University regularly to see about your adult children. You all would go out to dinner together. I could tell that you were a very close knit and loving family. Mr. McLemore Sr. was a true Christian family man. The students at Wilberforce loved to see you as parents visit and they would also engage with you both. They seemed to be always happy to see you on campus. You helped provide a good and positive presence for the students. You both were an ideal loving couple who were great mentors and easily could have run a successful parent support group for the Wilberforce University campus.

I am deeply saddened and will be keeping you all in my prayers.

- Pat Copely

Rev. Richard Allen (Denise) Williams

July 29, 2021

My wife and I knew Donald through our work while administrators at Wilberforce University. We came to know the McLemore's through their children as they matriculated through Wilberforce. Donald also inspired other students to attend Wilberforce. He was a parent-mentor particularly of young men. He set a great standard of Christian manhood for those he engaged. His witness will not easily be filled. We pray God's covering over his family and legacy.

~ Rev. Richard Allen (Denise) Williams

Mr. and Mrs. Fred & Debra Middleton

July 29, 2021

My husband Fred and I had the pleasure of being included in Donald and Lella McLemore Sr.'s 40th Wedding Anniversary nearly two years ago. It was a very beautiful celebration! There was a lot of love flowing to everyone. Your family looked so beautiful. We would like to express our condolences to the entire Donald McLemore Sr. family. Our Love and prayers continue to be with you all during this very difficult time.

Sincerely,

Mr. and Mrs. Fred & Debra Middleton

Mr. and Mrs. Reed

July 29, 2021

My heart just aches for you and your family Mrs. Lella, you all are so close. I know that Mr. Donald McLemore Sr. is squeezing you so tight. We love and appreciate the relationship we have with you all. It is such a blessing to see good still exists in our world today! It sure outweighs all the bad we seem to see! Our family will forever keep you all in our hearts and prayers. We love you all so much, and we will always remember what Mr. McLemore Sr. did for our sons in education.

- Mr. and Mrs. Reed

Jordan Reed

July 22, 2021

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Mr. Donald McLemore Sr. You are all in our family's prayers. My memory of Mr. McLemore is not only did he tutor and help us understand our school assignments, he also recommended to our parents that we should become Beaus in the Beautillion Militaire, which was a great experience! Both my twin brother Jaion and I enjoyed this event our Senior year. I am grateful to Mr. McLemore for his insight in recognizing that both my brother and I were good candidates to become Beaus. Mr. McLemore's recommendation to our parents for us to participate and to be introduced into society was a great idea. Because of my participation in the Beautillion Militaire, I received a scholarship from the Jack & Jill Foundation. Mr. McLemore was a very intelligent, talented, and a positive man who shared his knowledge with others. We all are going to miss him.

Thanks for all of your help, Mr. McLemore. Rest In Peace.

Jaion Reed

July 21, 2021

I am deeply sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. McLemore Sr.

He tutored me in Math and English. I also appreciate the fact that Mr. McLemore Sr. and his son, Donald Jr. are successful Engineers as well as Beaus. Mr. McLemore Sr. recommended my twin brother and I to become participants in the Beautillion Militaire.
I also remember after homework and studying, Mr. McLemore would get out on the court with us and play basketball, which was a lot of fun. He will be missed by his family, friends, and by so many students like my twin brother and I whom he helped in education.

I am grateful to have known him.

Dayton First Church of the Nazarene

July 13, 2021

To The Donald Rodney McLemore Sr. family:

We would like to express our condolences. Sending you comfort & hope in this difficult time.
We are praying for your family. Thank you for your donation to the Dayton First Church of the Nazarene in memory of your loving husband, brother Donald Rodney McLemore Sr. Often when we lose someone so very special, we seek for ways to feel close to that loved one or for ways to honor their memory. Through your memorial gift you have both honored Brother Donald Rodney McLemore Sr's memory and blessed the church. Your generous gift will be used for the children's ministry at DFC.
Thank you so very much for your generous gift!

We are sending our love
Sean & Darlene Barrett, Dave Ward, Kandi Burton, Juanita Rusty, Kim Maggard, Shuly Garrett

Yours In Christ,
Dayton First Church of the Nazarene

Deborah Hall

July 8, 2021

In this time of sadness may you see God in the faces of friends, hear Him in their voices, feel Him in the touch of their hands. May their help, caring, and sympathy reflect His love and kindness at this time when you need him most. With caring thoughts, I'm praying that the God of all comfort, be with you now.

- Cousin Debbie Hall

Daphne Harden

July 8, 2021

To the Donald Rodney McLemore Sr. family:

Thinking of you with deepest sympathy and hoping each new tomorrow will bring you comfort and peace.

Sincerely,

Yours in Christ and Kindred Spirit
Daphne Harden

Consolatte Niyogushima

July 7, 2021

My name is Consolatte, and I attended Lela's Academy of Learning and was tutored in English by Mr. Mclemore. My sympathy and prayers are for his family.

- Consolatte

Denise Danielle

July 7, 2021

I would like to express my condolences to Mrs. Lella McLemore and the entire Donald Rodney McLemore Sr. family. My memory of Mr. McLemore Sr. was a joy to behold. He had a good spirit and a wonderful smile on his face as he and his wife celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary a couple of years ago. I could definitely feel the love the two of them have for one another in that room. I know that he will be truly missed. You all are in my prayers.

Pascal Irankunda

July 6, 2021

My name is Pascal, and my memory of Mr. McLemore is he would teach me Math and English.
He would always motivate the students at Lela's Academy of Learning by encouraging us to complete home work assignments and to practice in the areas that we needed the most help in. He was a motivator and would tell us that if we successfully completed our work, we could all play basketball afterwards as something fun to do. He would always have Mrs. McLemore bring refreshments & snacks as he taught us how to play basketball as well, which was a lot of fun. I am sorry to hear that he is no longer here with us, and his family is in my prayers. I am grateful for the time he spent helping me.

- Pascal Irankunda

Eve Norton

July 3, 2021

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Pastor Silas

June 30, 2021

I would like to offer my condolences to the Mr. Donald McLemore Sr. family. I will keep you all in my prayers. Scripture shared for comfort: "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words" (I Thessalonians 4:16-18 NLT).

Sincerely,

Pastor Silas

Anita Lock

June 30, 2021

To the Donald Rodney McLemore Sr. family:

My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to you Lella and your family. I am so very sad to hear about your husband Donald Sr. I am praying that the Lord Jesus Christ will comfort your entire family at this very difficult time. May the Lord give you all supernatural strength and focus.

Sincerely in Jesus Christ,

Love,

Anita Lock

C"ester Donaldson

June 28, 2021

To the Mr. Donald McLemore Sr. family:

I am so very sorry to hear the sad news that Mr. Donald McLemore Sr. is no longer with us. My heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Lella McLemore and his entire family. He really cared about helping and educating the youth. I was a teacher at Mr. and Mrs. McLemore's family owned school, Trotwood Christian Academy. He was a great role model and he truly made a difference in the lives of so many young people. I was one of the elementary school teachers hired at Trotwood Christian Academy by Mr. McLemore Sr. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.

Mr. and Mrs. McLemore have a beautiful Christian family. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Mrs. Donaldson

Samuel Sezerano

June 26, 2021

Memories with Coach Donald McLemore Sr:

I remember him and his son coming to pick us up and they would take us to go play basketball through his family owned business, Lela's Academy of Learning. I also remember that we would always pray before and after all of our practices and tournaments. Coach Donald Sr. provided food and drinks and a lot of stuff. He was a great man of God. Us young men going and playing basketball with him kept us from getting into a lot of trouble. His legacy will forever live on within us. We will surely miss him so much. I will continue to pray for his wife Mrs. Lella, adult children, and his grandchildren through this difficult time.

Rest in Paradise

Sincerely,

Samuel

Shirley Stewart

June 26, 2021

Hi Lella, my sister,

I would like to express my deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband, Donald. Sending you prayers, love, and best wishes for what you all are going through. Just remember you have all of your wonderful memories. I know you will remember what Donald taught you all as the head of his household: a family that prays together, stays together. May God help each one of you as you go through your grieving period.

I really admired you and Donald's marriage and relationship for many years. You were high school sweethearts who always had a very strong love and respect for each other. My heart goes out to you and your family. You all will continue to be in my prayers. God can mend your broken hearts.

With love your Sister in Christ,
Shirley Stewart

Jeannette Brantley

June 22, 2021

Though words can do little to comfort you and your family, may the thoughts and prayers of all those who love you help support you and your family at this difficult time. My heart is full and thinking of you for your loss. I send you peace, blessings, and love with healing hugs.

- Jeannette Brantley

Diana Davis

June 21, 2021

My most favorite memory of Donald was his great humble and kind spirit. He had such a unique quality of patience. He possessed such a loving and giving heart, I know that the goodness and great things he shared with his family and others will live on from generation to generation.

~ Diana Davis

The Donald Rodney McLemore Sr. Family

June 20, 2021

Father's Day

When God created fathers, He made them proud and wise...
He put the light of truth and understanding in their eyes.
He formed them in His image, hearts faithful, smiles bright,
their skin a shade of evening as it passes into night.
He gave them sturdy arms for lifting children in the air
and knees that weren't afraid to bend in work or play or prayer.
He then planned them with a passion for the role of fatherhood...
and when the Lord had finished, He was sure that it was good.
With gratitude for the values you taught, the encouragement you gave, the dreams you believed, the legacy of love you passed along...With thankfulness for the God-given blessing you are to your family.

Happy Father's Day In Heaven Dad.
We love you with all of our hearts. We miss you so much.
See you later at the Day of Our Lord, the blessed resurrection.

The glory of children are their fathers.
Proverbs 17:8
From the Donald Rodney McLemore Sr. family...
Your loving wife, Lella McLemore and our loving children
Donald Rodney McLemore Jr., Donica Gail McLemore-Murray, (Romel Murray Sr.), Grandchildren Nevayeah, Alayeah, Romel Jr. and Roland Murray.

Sheryl Malone

June 17, 2021

To the Donald Rodney McLemore Sr. family:

Lella,
I believe we are worshippers at our core. During the greatest loss, beyond words...worship is the place to breathe and allow grace to carry us. I'm praying for you and all of your loved ones. You came to mind this morning when I heard this song: With All I Am by Hillsong Worship featuring Darlene Zschech (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYXJmnJCPG0).

Sincerely with love, your Sister in Christ
Sheryl Malone

Randall Green

June 17, 2021

Our condolences to you all. He will be missed. I really appreciate Cousin Donald Sr. and all of you for tutoring me. We love you from the Green family.

- Randall Green

Eugene Roberts

June 15, 2021

Mr. McLemore is definitely someone that I am proud to have been around. A man that could bring the best out of me academically. Through him I have gained wisdom and knowledge that I continue to use in my life. Great teacher. Excellent role model. Blessed to have known him.

- Eugene Roberts

Demarcus Rhines

June 15, 2021

You made the world a much easier place to live for many of your family, friends, as well as complete strangers whom you took in irrevocably yet unconditionally; whom you cherished, taught but also mentored as your own Flesh & blood. The world can sometimes be tough but with such a positive outlook on life you taught me to think, learn, listen, but also to practice patience & remain humble. To one of the best men the world has ever known or seen, I appreciate all the father speeches you gave me when I did something wrong or got out of line. I look back on how exercising was important & getting a good education was essential in being a successful individual. You allowed other people to have input or given ideas regardless to intellect or stature. I love you. You will forever share a place in my heart & thank you for raising me & showing me that regardless of whether or not evil exists, light will always shine through & good will prevail. You are now & will forever be my superhero.......I Love You ........

Demarcus Rhines

June 14, 2021

You made the world a much easier place to live for many of your family, friends, as well as complete strangers whom you took in irrevocably yet unconditionally; whom you cherished, taught but also mentored as your own Flesh & blood. The world can sometimes be tough but with such a positive outlook on life you taught me to think, learn, listen, but also to practice patience & remain humble. To one of the best men the world has ever known or seen, I appreciate all the father speeches you gave me when I did something wrong or got out of line. I look back on how exercising was important & getting a good education was essential in being a successful individual. You allowed other people to have input or given ideas regardless to intellect or stature. I love you. You will forever share a place in my heart & thank you for raising me & showing my that regardless of whether or not evil exist, light will always shine through & good will prevail. You are now & will forever be my superhero.......I Love You ........
~ Demarcus Rhines

Cory Ross

June 12, 2021

In loving memory of Uncle Donald:

Although I read about and watched many fictional heroes, they never compared because Uncle Donald was a true and real-life super hero to all of us. He was the strongest man I ever knew. He was amazing and wise; physically, mentally, and spiritually gifted. I teased Donald Jr. that technically speaking, Uncle Donald was my father before he was his and Donica's. I was always with Uncle Donald and Aunt Lella when I was small and they treated me like their own son. In fact, I stopped bothering to look for my biological father when I became a teenager because I already had Uncle Donald. Whenever I stepped out of line, he was there to discipline me. Whenever I did something good, he was there to tell me how proud of me he was. If there was a Parent-Teacher conference at my school, he showed up on my behalf. He taught me how to read, fight, play basketball, focus on becoming smarter, and make the right choices. Everything that I learned about God's Word, how to live life, work hard, and how to become a man he taught me. That is what a real father does.

I moved out West to make a better life for myself and I owe my success to Uncle Donald.

That is probably another reason I have not married yet; if I cannot have the kind of marriage that Uncle Donald and Aunt Lella have, I refuse to settle for anything less.

I will forever keep you in my heart and I will always appreciate and love you for the amazing Christ-like man that you are. You will forever be our super hero. We are looking forward to the day when all of us will be together again at the blessed Resurrection. Until then...

Rest In Paradise

- Cory Ross

Madeline Green

June 8, 2021

To the Donald Rodney McLemore Sr. Family

Beyond Life's Gateway
There's an open gate
at the end of the road
Through which each must go alone,
And there,
in a light we cannot see,
Our Father claims His own...
Beyond the gate,
your loved one
Finds happiness and rest,
And there is comfort in the thought
That a loving God knows best,
May the same God who has welcomed your loved one home, Keep you in His care through this difficult time.
To our beloved brother in Christ and friend Donald Sr. Rest In Heaven until we meet again.

Mr. and Mrs. Tim and Madeline Green.

Lisa Rogers

June 7, 2021

To the Donald Rodney McLemore Sr family:

With caring sympathy in the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather.

Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted – Matthew 5:4

With God, love lives forever. May the compassion of those who care surround you, the memories of shared joys encourage you, and the warmth of God's love embrace you.

With love and deep sympathy,

Cousin Lisa Rogers

The Kincaid Family

June 4, 2021

A Journey Remembered

As some people journey through life, they leave footprints wherever they go - footprints of kindness and love, courage and compassion, humor and inspiration, joy and faith. Even when they are gone, we can still look back and clearly see the trail they left behind – a trail bright with hope that invites us to follow.

Praying you'll be comforted with precious memories and God's presence to care for you in your loss. Words cannot express our sorrow for your loss. You will continue to be in our prayers in the coming days.

Blessed are those who...walk in the light of Your presence. - Psalms 89:15 TLB

With Sympathy

The Kincaid Family

Karen Scurry (Lester)

June 3, 2021

I was sad to hear of Donald's passing.

Donald, Lella and I were classmates at Nettie Lee Roth High School and it was no surprise when they got married not too long after we graduated.

In high school, you could see the love they had for each other and that they were a match made in heaven.

I ran into Donald and Lella not too long ago at Target and could tell while talking to them that they at not change one bit and were just as kind and caring as they were years ago.

My deepest condolences to Lella and the rest of the family.

Tommy Nicholson

June 3, 2021

In memory of Mr. Mac:

Mr. Mac was a great role model, who truly cared about the students that attended his school. He always encouraged me to work hard and be the best student that I could be. I realize that he and Mrs. McLemore did not have to tuck me under their wings but they did it anyway. It is because of him refusing to give up on me and continuing to push me in the right direction by insisting that I study, that I graduated from their family owned high school Trotwood Christian Academy. I also went on to obtain a college degree. I appreciate Mr. Mac for all he has done to make me the success I am today. He taught me academics and how to play basketball ninth grade year through the twelfth. It is not everyday that you meet an administrator and owner of a school who will take you with him on a family vacation to Disney World. I feel like one of the family members, you are like an uncle to me. I am gonna miss you, man. Rest in Paradise.

- Tommy Nicholson

Doresta Harris

June 2, 2021

To the family of Mr. Donald McLemore Sr., I am so very sorry and saddened to hear of your great loss. Mr. McLemore has a beautiful, close knit, and a very caring family. I know that he will truly be missed. Mr. and Mrs. Donald & Lella McLemore Sr. are the owners of Lela's Academy. Their whole family are involved in the operations of the business.

My Name is Doresta. I attended your family owned tutoring business, Lela's Academy of Learning. I was struggling in Math and was tutored by your academy and my scores improved. I was able to graduate from High School.

Thanks so much for helping me succeed.

I enjoyed learning at your academy.

Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Donald McLemore Sr.

Rest In Heaven.

Doresta

Michelle Wilson

June 2, 2021

I would like to send my condolences to the Donald Rodney McLemore Sr. family for their recent loss. Donald was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. I will keep you in my prayers for the peace your family will need.

Michelle Wilson

Vanessa McGhee

June 2, 2021

Donald, my dear brother, you helped the world to be a better and brighter place. You truly cared and took the time to share your knowledge, the word of God, your time, and resources with so many others. May God Bless you for all that you have stood for here on this earth, now and forever more. I am so very glad to have been a part of
you and Lella's beautiful love story. 42 years of marriage and bliss. 44 years of complete love and respect for one another, you both were truly blessed beyond measure!!

Two beautiful children, Donald Rodney McLemore Jr. and Donica Mae Ella Gail McLemore-Murray. Son-in-law, Romel Murray. His nickname for me is itty bitty auntie. Your absolutely very precious and beautiful grandchildren Nevayeah Rosa Lee, Alayeah Gail, Romel Allen Jr, and Roland Aiden Murray. I am so honored to be considered
their honorary aunt. To my dear friend and brother in Christ, we all love you and will miss you so very much. I never will forget us being in Chemistry class at Roth High School. You were in love with my best friend, Lella Denice Bostock. You would send messages to her through me. I am so very grateful to have watched both you and Lella's love story over the many years. This clearly is what true love is my brother. We all love you and miss you my brother. Rest in heaven until we all meet again.

Your Legacy Lives On........

Sincerely your sister in Christ Jesus

Vanessa McGhee

Donald McLemore Jr

May 31, 2021

Dedicated to my loving Dad:

Dad loved to have fun with his family. Dad was the kind of man that was never anything less than exceptional and larger than life. More than just being my Dad, he was my hero, mentor, role model, and best friend. Because of his example, I followed in his footsteps to become an engineer.

You know, I could tell everyone about so many of the memories I have of Dad. However, that would take all day and night, which is not what he would want. Dad would want me to do what he was known for: get to the point. My Dad, Donald Sr. gave me and Donica countless gifts throughout our lives. I don't just mean the kind of gifts you receive on your birthday or at Christmas. I mean his time, love, guidance, wisdom, strength, and work ethic. Dad always encouraged us to do our best and told us that we could achieve anything we set our minds to. He believed that the word “can't” should be removed from our vocabulary. Yet Dad did not just stop with Donica and myself, he also did the same for our cousins, as well as for young people whom he had no familial connection to. Donald Sr., my Dad, was not the man who talked the most but when he did speak everyone listened.

Dad was not a one-dimensional man. He was gifted, multi-talented, strong, humble, daring, loving, and lead others without having to break a sweat. Dad did not like arrogance, grandstanding, or wickedness. Dad loved God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Dad loved reading, especially the Word of God. Dad loved his family and was the kind of person who showed loyalty by treating you like family once you were in his inner circle, even if you were not related to him.

All that I have accomplished and the man I have become is because I was blessed by my Heavenly Father to have an Earthly Father who instilled certain values in me.

As a family, we all used to have deep conversations about many topics including Bible studies. Whenever we hit a snag where we did not fully understand something in context within the Word of God, Dad would tell us to “read the entire account”. I can still hear him saying that right now. If it makes any sense, I can still feel Dad. He is just sleeping for a long time now, because the Lord has granted him rest and peace.

That is the measure and footprint of Donald McLemore Sr. That is how he deserves to be remembered.

Dad, I wish we had more time together but I am so grateful to God for the time we did have. I told you everyday that “I love you, man, and I'll talk to you later” and you said the same in return but your actions always spoke louder than your words. Although I hurt everyday because of how much I miss you, I don't think it is right to say goodbye because that would be final. Instead, I'll say I love you and thank you Dad for everything you have done and when God says the time is right I'll talk to you later at the Resurrection.

Dwayne Cox

May 31, 2021

In Remembrance of Donald R. McLemore aka Mac

Donald and I met as college freshmen at Central State University in the fall of 1978. If I recall correctly, he introduced himself as 'Mac'. He did not want me to call him 'Donald' and definitely not 'Donnie'. As we began to hang our more, he started telling me about his girlfriend who was attending Rust College in Mississippi. Whenever he talked about her, his love and affection for her was so intense that it was almost palpable. When he told me her name was Lella Bostock, I was like, "Hold up a minute. I went to elementary school with a girl with the same name." As it turned out, we were talking about the same person. And thus begin a friendship that grew into a brotherhood which would span over 40 years.

Over the ensuing years, we shared many life experiences and our bond grew. I found Mac to be sensitive (I never said that to his face) yet tough, possessing a genius level intellect, very confident and yet he was humble. With his many skills, abilities and extremely disciplined mind, he could easily have become a very successful athlete (football, track, basketball, martial arts), a highly successful engineer or an accomplished businessman. Instead, he chose give his many talents to God. This is what he would want me to share with you today.

In college and afterwards, we had many discussions about God. I had no idea Lella was having similar talks with him. But he did not take our word for anything. Like the Bereans in the book of Acts, he "received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the scriptures" in order to see the truth for himself [Acts 17:11]. It was not long before he turned his life over to God and begin the process of allowing God to help him become a true Man of God.

The scripture says, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." [Matthew 5:6]. As Mac hungered for more of God, he would spend countless hours pouring over scripture, consuming the Word. In the process, the Word consumed him.

As he learned more of God, he would teach his wife and children the Word of God. He would do his best to be a godly example before them. Did he make mistakes? Sure. But he would repent, get back up and move forward. A perfect illustration of Proverbs 24:16. His goal was to make disciples of them just as Jesus instructed. When I look at his life, he fulfilled the qualifications of a bishop as outlined in the 3rd chapter of I Timothy.

And he did not stop with just his immediate family. His passion for the Word and teaching led him and his wife to start not one but two schools - Lela's Academy of Learning in 1995 and the Trotwood Christian Academy in 1996. His goal is summed up in Matthew 28:19, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...".

Was he successful? Look at Lella, DJ, Donica and their families and you will see the hand of God on their lives. You will see ordinary men and women submitted to the Lord, living lives that reflect godly principles and values. In short, you will see the beginning of a great legacy.

This is what Donald McLemore would desire of you: not that you see him but see and exalt the Lord Jesus that lived through him.

Thank you for this opportunity and I pray the Lord will continue to cause His face to shine upon the McLemore family now and always, in the name of Jesus.

Kenneth McDavid

May 26, 2021

Donald was my friend during my time at Central State University. He had a great love that I was blessed to witnessed, way back then; to the woman that he married (Lella). After losing contact with Donald for many years, I was happy beyond words to find my friend married to that same woman more than 40 years later. The love and joy Donald had with his wife and family and friends is a great testament of God's plan in life of his loyal servant. I am convinced that if he could he be by his loving wife's side. His love for her was so great. Donald serves the lord and will be missed and remembered always and all ways. R.I.H. my friend - love you always Kenneth McDavid

Gregory Tucker

May 22, 2021

Donald was a very giving man. Who contributed to making the next generation better. R.I.H

Cynthia Hall

May 21, 2021

Donald was truly a great son, man, husband, father, grandfather, relative and friend. Humble beyond most. Has been a blessing and leaves a blessed legacy

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