Whitney McClelland Obituary

MCCLELLAND, WHITNEY

Whitney McClelland passed away suddenly on the 1st of August, 2009, at his home in Ponte Vedra Beach. Whitney, who was born in New York City in 1942, spent most of his youth in Palm Beach, FL.

He was proud to have come from an illustrious American family dating in this country from 1635. The Whitneys are notable for their social prominence, wealth, business enterprises, thoroughbred horse racing, and philanthropy.

One who met him soon realized that "Lord Whitney" was unique. Nonstop, he could spin enthralling stories and grandiose business schemes in a most engaging manner. Generous and kindhearted, he made friends wherever he went. His attitude toward life never lost intensity. His friends and confidents regret that he no longer will be here to enlighten and entertain them.

In 1960, Whitney graduated from the Kent School in Connecticut where he lettered in four sports. He entered the University of Pennsylvania on a hockey scholarship but soon transferred to the University of Florida in Gainesville. A member and letterman of the Gator football team under Coach Ray Graves, Whitney played as back-up punter and scout quarterback. That Florida team gave Bear Bryant's Crimson Tide their first loss at home.

With an undergraduate degree in business, Whitney entered the University of Florida Law School, graduating with specialties in Real Estate and Tax Law. He served in the U.S. military during these years-in the Marine Corps Reserves-where he completed boot camp, SC, and OCS at Quantico, VA. He retired as a Captain in the Corps.

Whitney was an exceptional entrepreneur. His business ventures, primarily in real estate, oil and gas, publishing, and venture capital, reached from New York to Costa Rica to Colorado to Florida. Among his many deals, he founded both a recreational vehicle manufacturing company and an advertising agency. With his family, he was involved with Caravelle Ranches in Palatka, FL and Costa Rica, large beef cattle operations. He established the Golf Guide Group, Inc., a publisher of golf books, score cards, and course guides as well as the Viewers Guide to the PGA. Active throughout his life in oil and gas ventures, he was particularly successful in Texas, Louisiana, and Argentina. In Gainesville, FL he was both a founder of Lillian's Music Store night club and a notably devoted patron.

Whitney is survived by his wife Rena, his stepson and fiancée - Gavin Blackmer and Kendra Kimball - and by many friends and Gator fans.

A memorial wake will be held at Lillian's in downtown Gainesville, 112 SE 1st St., at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 5th, before the first Gator game.

In lieu of flowers, please drink a martini, or two.

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

Published by Gainesville Sun from Aug. 9 to Aug. 10, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Whitney McClelland

12 Entries

Brian

October 9, 2022

Whit, you´ll be happy to know that my daughter, Nora (delivered by Rena in 2003) is officially a Gator. Miss you, buddy and say hi to all of our dogs. -B

Allen Delevett

December 23, 2009

Rena

I was very sorry to hear of your loss. I just heard about it in an email from one of our classmates at Kent School.

I remember Whit mostly as a hockey player, on some great teams, especially with the Fryberger brothers, among others. He was 'young and strong' in those days and could 'run against the wind' with absolutely no effort at all.

I appreciated the opportunity to read, albeit in his obituary, of all that he had done with his life and opportunities, and in his guestbook on this site, about the friends he'd made and memories he'd created.

I send you and his family and friends the blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26.

Daphne McClelland

September 1, 2009

Dear Rena, Im very sad to learn that my Uncle Whitney passed away . I was looking foward to the day that I would have finally had the chance to meet him, he seemed very interesting. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God Bless you and your family.
Daphne McClelland (Miami, Fl.)

Max von Wening

August 29, 2009

Whitney's favorite song was by Bob Seger's, Running Against the Wind". He seemed to live it. He once made a toast at the Hatch Cover restaurant in Denver by lighting a match. He held it high and the flame caught the macrame hanger and it burst into flames. He put it out with his drink and said, "don't just stand there get me another drink." He always kept the party going as he ask me to drive him home in his Blazer even though it had two flat tires. It was the late seventies and Whitney always had a great dinner party because he was such a great cook. Gourmet all the way! He laughed so hard as I tried to sweep and clean up with a three foot broom he gave me to use. He laughed at the TV, channel 6 News showing a channel 4 truck be towed away in a no parking zone. Did he have something to do with this? He would wheel and deal at all hours and to show he was through he calmly placed the phone in the fire place where it melted like a marsh mellow. He was truly one of a kind and the though of him will always make me smile. I toast Whitney tonight and think of you Rena at the place where you first met. I toast toyou Rena and as Whitney would say" I am doing exactly what I want to, fiddling about."
Whitney you were fun!

Bill Burton

August 27, 2009

Dear Rena,
I was most saddened to hear of Whitney's passing. I enjoyed seeing him and reminiscing at our 40th reunion, and I was really looking forward to catching up with him again next summer. He was one of the truly good guys, and he will be missed.

My wife, Susan and I both send our condolences and wish you strength in your time of loss.

August 17, 2009

Dear Rena,
You and the family will be in our prayers, that God may bring you all much comfort and peace at this time. Please know that if you need anything please just call.
Love,
Debbie Thornblom

Amber McDonald

August 14, 2009

Rena,
I was very sad to learn of the loss of your husband Whit. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

August 14, 2009

Dear Rena: I was so sorry to learn of Whit's death. I had just completed his file for putting his 50th Reunion Book pages together for our Kent 50th in 2010 and, as always, was captivated by his enthusiastic responses. We truly hope that you will attend and if you have anything you would like included about Whit in the reunion book, please send it to me. With deepest sympathy, Karen and Jim Mell, Kent '60

jackie holden

August 12, 2009

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Amanda Brzoska

August 10, 2009

Dear Rena,

We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest condolences,

Mandy (Wilson) Brzoska & Debbie Tucker

August 9, 2009

Rena,

You are in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathies, and I plan to celebrate Whit's life with you on Friday.

Love you,

Cade

Jay Cann, Kwikprint Mfg. Co.Inc.

August 6, 2009

My deepest and sincere condolences go out to the Family of Whitney. I first met Whitney is the early 1990's shortly after he produced the "Golfer's Guide". We remained friends over the years and he would pop in to see me on occasion. He stopped by to see me one day last year. I will always remember him as the enthusiastic and energetic character he was.

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