David John "“Dave”" McClellan Jr.

David John McClellan, Jr. ("Dave"), 85, of Brevard passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, at Elizabeth House, the Four Seasons hospice facility in Flat Rock, NC. He is survived by his wife of over 25 years, Shirley Hallblade, who was with him.

Also surviving him are three children from his first marriage: Kim (Philip) Tucker, Troy (Lesli) McClellan and Michelle Dunlap; six grandchildren (Kaitlyn and Sydney Tucker, Lincoln and Landyn McClellan, and Kyle and Chase Dunlap); and three nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Joan and brother-in-law Russell Starkey.

Born May 15, 1940, in Connecticut, Dave spent his early years in Hartford and Willimantic and moved to Bradenton, Florida in 1957 when his parents relocated for his father's health.

As a teenager, Dave began to play drums-a passion that would continue throughout his life. While attending Manatee High School he started a rock & roll band, The Night Beats.

Upon graduation he joined the U.S. Air Force and worked as a communications specialist on Guam. A member of the Drum & Bugle Corps, he also played drums with an intra-service band.

Using the name "Dave Mack," he spent his working life in many facets of the music industry. After military service, he played drums on recording sessions in Atlanta and Nashville and toured the U.S. and internationally, backing country stars such as Dave Dudley, Sonny James, Willie Nelson, Buck Owens and Dottie West.

After leaving the road, he began his career in the recording industry at United Artist Records, promoting Slim Whitman, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and others. He soon was awarded his first gold record for promoting the group, Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose.

At RCA Records, Dave coordinated tour logistics for David Bowie, Elvis Presley, Charley Pride and other label artists. As national promotion director for MGM Records and Elektra Records, he worked closely with artists such as Eddy Arnold, Linda Ronstadt and Hank Williams, Jr.

He developed record distribution outlets for Mannheim Steamroller and during the CB radio craze, co-managed C.W. McCall of "Convoy" fame.

During six years at Warner Bros. Records, Dave was awarded five Emmylou Harris gold albums for his promotional efforts.

In the early 1990s, Dave partnered with Nashville songwriter/producer Norro Wilson, forming a company to produce and advise recording artists for presentation to major record labels.

Dave met Shirley Hallblade in 1996 in Nashville and later followed her to California where she had taken a new job. They married in 2000 and he retired from the music business. After relocating to Jacksonville, FL for Shirley's career in 2006, they discovered Connestee Falls near Brevard, NC where they purchased a vacation home. After Shirley retired, they became full-time residents in 2015.

In Connestee Falls, Dave resumed his career as a drummer, playing for the chorale and starting two bands, The Mack Pack and its successor, Shades of Gray, serving as drummer. He wrote and produced four musical variety shows, collaborating with the choral director and featuring residents and other local talent. For ten years he booked area musicians for live performances at Connestee venues.

Despite his many accolades, Dave was humble-although he would occasionally share stories about his career experiences and people he'd met. He will be remembered for his smile, sense of humor, kindness, generosity, and energy that belied his years. Many will remember his encouraging words of "You've got this," as he enabled others, young and old, to try things outside their comfort zones.

He was gifted with many talents and interests. He loved sailing, travel, hiking, working outdoors and creating sculptures in alabaster and marble.

Sustained by his faith, family and friends, Dave lived a long and full life. But he knew there was a better life beyond the temporary one on earth. Dave will be dearly missed by many but all can take comfort in knowing that he is in God's presence, no doubt making music and a joyful noise.

Those wishing to honor Dave's memory may consider donations to Brevard-Davidson River Presbyterian Church (bdrpc.org), Four Seasons Foundation (FourSeasonsFDN.org), or to a special fund at Brevard Music Center, the "Dave McClellan Percussion Student Scholarship Endowment." (brevardmusic.org/mcclellan)