Charles O'leal McClure

Charles O. McClure, age 85, of Delano, TN, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025. Born on July 12, 1940, in Benton, TN, he was the son of the late Robert and Retta McClure. A lifelong Polk County resident, Charles dedicated his life to faith, family, community, and hard work-values that shaped every part of who he was.

A 1960 graduate of Polk County High School, Charles was known throughout the region as a man with an impeccable work ethic, a servant's heart, and timeless common-sense wisdom. He lived his entire life as a Polk County farmer, proudly carrying forward the tradition of working the land and helping neighbors whenever he could. His presence in the community was steady, reliable, and deeply respected.

For more than 60 years, Charles served with the Polk County Board of Education, most recently as the Transportation Supervisor. For over five decades, he provided school bus transportation for Polk County students, football teams, basketball teams, and countless school events. Generations of students and athletes knew the comfort of seeing "Mr. Charles" behind the wheel, offering a warm smile, a reassuring word, and a safe ride. His contribution to the school system and his unwavering dedication will be remembered for years to come.

Charles was a faithful member of Cambria Baptist Church. His influence extended far beyond his church and workplace through his involvement in numerous community organizations. He was a member of the Polk County Alumni Association Hall of Fame, Polk County High School Hall of Fame, the Board of Directors at Ocoee Regional Health Corporation, Farm Service Agency, and the Polk County Farm Bureau. His leadership, honesty, and integrity left a lasting impact on the entire county.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Retta McClure; his first wife, Janette Cheek McClure; sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Robert Finley; brothers-in-law Clyde Calfee Jr., Garvin Cheek, and E.L. Bowers; and nieces Margaret Calfee Maynard and Sarah Kincaid.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bobbie Bledsoe McClure; brother, Clarence (Patsy) McClure of Benton; sister, Ruth Ann (Jackie) Kersey of Cleveland; sisters-in-law: Margie Bowers of Etowah and Linda Carver of Athens; nieces: Martha Calfee of Cleveland and Jane (Greg) Paxton of Benton; nephew, Will Paxton of Benton; special "like-a-son" great-nephew, John (Britten) Kincaid of Benton; special great-niece, Amy Burchfield of Delano; special great-great-nephews: Brady and Jasper Kincaid; and bonus children: Beth (Scott) Godfrey of Cleveland, Tonia (Allen) Norwood of Tellico Plains, and Larry Lynn Bledsoe of Knoxville, along with many bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind numerous extended family members and friends, all of whom were touched by his kindness and generosity.

Charles lived a life of unwavering commitment to others, and his legacy of service, compassion, and faith will continue to shine through the many lives he influenced.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Cambria Baptist Church located at 305 Co. Rd 875, Etowah, TN 37331 with the funeral service to follow at 6:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Jimmy Dunn and Reverend Robby Hatcher. A graveside service will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Benton Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cambria Baptist Church, 305 County Rd. 875 or PO Box 717, Etowah, TN 37331.

Charles was a faithful servant, a trusted friend, and a pillar of Polk County. His memory will be cherished forever.