Sammy Joe McClellan

October 14, 1943 - December 25, 2015

Sam McClellan was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Samuel Jefferson and Ina Mae McClellan on October 14, 1943.

In 1945, the family moved to Wenatchee, Washington, where Sam grew up, delivered newspapers and attended college to earn an associate degree.

In his teens, Sam was a competitive marksman shooter, recognized regionally for his endless awards, keen eye and skilled marksmanship. Sam was a chartered member of the Wenatchee Gun Club and was on the governor's list for competitive long-range shooting.

From 1963 to 1985, Sam worked for Peoples mercantile store as a department manager in Wenatchee, Yakima and Federal Way, later becoming the store manager in Lakewood and Port Angeles.

After leaving Peoples in 1985, Sam became an independent Prudential insurance and investment agent for over a decade.

Sam had the gift of gab and was a lovable man to all who knew him. He was talented in many ways and followed his dreams later in life to become an entrepreneur in his own community.

Sam loved life to its fullest. His greatest joys were his wife, family and special friends.

He loved to cook and entertain his closest friends and family.

He enjoyed many years of boating in the San Juan Islands and fishing the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Sam is survived by his loving wife, Lorna; sister Barb (Bob) Gorgen; sons Brad (Trisha) McClellan and Eric McClellan; grandchildren Kyle (Michelle) McClellan, Dallas McClellan, Tristen Reed, Brandon Seavey and Jared Seavey; niece Stacey (Bryan) Bodine; great-granddaughters Samantha Reed and Brailynn McClellan; and best friends Roy and Mary Gotham.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will take place at Drennan-Ford Funeral Home, 260 Monroe Road, Port Angeles, on Friday, January 8, 2016, at 2 p.m., with an extended celebration to follow at Traylor's Restaurant, 3256 East U.S. Highway 101.