Luke Rickey McClendon

Luke Rickey McClendon, Sr., 74, of Columbus, GA, passed away on January 30, 2026. Private services will be held at a later date.

Luke McClendon was born on March 18, 1951, to the late Keziah McClendon in Birmingham, Al. After high school, he served in the United States Army as a telephone operator in the Vietnam war. Mr. McClendon enjoyed traveling, especially to Hawaii. He also loved going to amusement parks to ride the carousels and listening to P-Funk, notably George Clinton. He often claimed the song Man in the Mirror changed his life. He could be stubborn at times, but he was very caring and loving. He was a man of mystery who enjoyed life to the fullest. Most of all, he was family oriented and loved his family. He loved spending time with his kids, grandkids, great grandkids, and great-great grandkids. Luke will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

Luke is preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Iris Marie McClendon; daughter, Mary Hopkins; mother, Keziah McClendon; high school sweetheart, Linda Hopkins; brothers, Wilson, Hatib, Yusuf, and Abdul, and sister, Clarice.

Luke is survived by his sons, Sifiye McClendon, Malcolm X, Dwayne McClendon, Wilson McClendon, Luke McClendon, Jr., and Akeem Smith; daughters, Shirley Pettus, Kisha Cunningham, Alta Smith, Mamie Smith, Shavonne Smith, and Sheritta Smith; brother, Moses; former wife of 6 years, Michelle Wymes-Bailey; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.