Gary Leon McCloud

SGT. Gary Leon McCloud, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, was born on December 10, 1966, in Adel, Georgia, to Barbara Chestnut and John Inman. He peacefully departed this life on October 31, 2025, after a life filled with love, service, and devotion to his family and community. Gary received his education through the Broward County Public School system and proudly graduated from Dillard High School, Class of 1985. During his time at Dillard, he was a dedicated member of the football, track and wrestling teams, forming lifelong friendships and a passion for teamwork that would follow him throughout his life. After graduation, Gary attended Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on a football scholarship for a year before answering the call to serve his country. He joined the United States Army, where he served honorably with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Following his medical discharge, Gary continued his commitment to public service through a long and successful career with the United States Postal Service, retiring in 2017. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gary was known for his deep love of mentoring youth through sports. He coached the Holiday Park Barracudas with the South Florida Youth Football League from 1997 to 2001 and later served as an assistant coach for Dillard High School's Junior Varsity and Varsity football team from 2003 to 2006. His final act of service and passion was coaching the West Creek Middle School Football Team in Clarksville, Tennessee, from 2023 until 2025. Gary was blessed with six biological children, but his heart was big enough to serve as a father figure to many others. To know Gary was to know kindness, generosity, and laughter. He never met a stranger, always ready to fire up his grill, share a story, or debate about sports. Above all, family meant everything to him. He shared 43 years of love and partnership with his devoted wife, Uneeda, creating a legacy rooted in love, respect, and strength. Gary fought the good fight and finished his race with grace. On that autumn day, the Lord whispered in his ear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the honor of knowing him. He was preceded in death by: His daughter Jalisa McCloud-Brown, son Rashad McCloud, brother Richard Jackson, sister Pamela Ward, and father John Inman. He leaves to cherish his precious memories: His devoted Wife, Uneeda McCloud of Clarksville, TN; his mother, Barbara Chestnut of Pompano Beach, FL; Mother-In-Law Edna Watson of Deerfield Beach FL, his sons: Gary McCloud Jr. (Tiffani) of Houston, TX; Richard McCloud (Elizabeth) of Deltona, FL; and son-in-law Keith Brown Jr of Convington GA.; daughters: Toccara Lister (Kenan) of Clarksville, TN; Tiffany McCloud of Nashville, TN; and special daughter Edvonique Evans (Shug) of Covington, GA. Brothers: Calvin Inman of Hahira, GA; Alvin Inman of Adel, GA; and John Ward of Fort Lauderdale, FL. Sisters: Janine Ware (Terry) of Valdosta, GA; Sonya Inman of Covington, GA; and Alfreda Montgomery (Corey) of North Lauderdale, FL. He also leaves behind 14 beloved grandchildren: Jakirria, Janiyah, Eddie, Jay'Shaun, Tamiyra, Tavaris, Tyler, Noah, Taylor, Deja, Alaina, Emma, Trenton, and Amani; two goddaughters: Alexis and Aaliyah Burroughs; his favorite aunt, Martha Leann Woods; Favorite cousins Gwendalyn Milton, and Angela Fox-Davis; his best friend, Timothy Merriweather Sr.; and a host of god-siblings, extended family, and dear friends who will cherish his memory forever. Honorary Pallbearers: Marvin Hightower, Robert Morris, William Guy, Richard Washington Sr. Pallbearers: Gary McCloud Jr, Richard McCloud, Travis Roberts, Richard Washington Jr., Jerome Washington Jr., Kenan Lister. Visitation: Sunday, November 9, 2025 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home 1510 Madison Street • Clarksville, TN 37040 Celebration of Life Service: Monday, November 10, 2025 – 10:30 AM Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home 1510 Madison Street • Clarksville, TN 37040 Pastor Ray Mason, Officiating Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, Directing