Ronald Thomas McLellan

ACTON — Ronald Thomas McLellan, sergeant major of the Army, retired, and affectionately known as "Tom," of Acton and Brewster, died Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008, at his home. He was 78.

Born, raised and educated in Springfield, he enlisted in the Army after high school. His service spanned more than 20 years and included assignments in Korea during the Korean War, in Hawaii before statehood, in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, and stateside. He retired from service in 1971 with the rank of sergeant major.

Through the years he continued his education at the University of Maryland, University of Hawaii, Ohio State University and University of Minnesota, graduating from Florida Tech University. He also did postgraduate work at Boston University.

Following his retirement from the service, he was employed by Spalding in Springfield, Sun Bank in Orlando, Fla., and was retired from Digital Equipment Corp. in Maynard.

A voracious reader, Sgt. Maj. McLellan also loved Scottish culture, especially bagpipe music. He enjoyed many extensive vacations with his wife to different regions of Scotland to fully experience the local flavor.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Laura McLellan; a dear sister-in-law, Marguerite Beusee; four nieces, a nephew and extended family members. He was the brother of the late Stephen V. Symanski, Rosemary Smith and Carol Symanski.

All are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 11:30 a.m. at the Westford Regency Inn & Conference Center, 219 Littleton Road, Route 110, Westford, MA 01886.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Army Emergency Relief Fund, 200 Stovall St., Room 5-n-13, Alexandria, VA 22332 (www.aerhq.org) or to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, 10 Chandler St., Boston, MA 02116, (www.arlboston.org).