Remembering Carlos McClendon
June 30, 2016
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carlos McClendon, crew member of Pirate Racing. Carlos was a very special person to the Pirate Racing team as well as everyone in OPA Racing, he was family. He put up a tremendous fight in his battle with cancer but succumbed to the illness.
Carlos was a man that was a BIG part of our racing family. Carlos was so much to so many in OPA Racing. He appeared to be everywhere, he was not only there for David & Travis Denham, but was also there for any team that needed a helping hand. There was never a bad thing that could have been said about Carlos, he was a true gentleman with a heart of gold. Carlos will remain in our hearts forever.
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Carlos Ray McClendon, 49, of East Brainerd, died on June 29, 2016 after a long battle with cancer.
A lifelong resident of Chattanooga, Carlos was retired from Nissan North American in 2008 due to declining health after 10 years of service.
He was an avid lover of off shore boat racing with the “Pirate Racing Team.” He was a member of the World of Wheels.
Carlos was an active member at Grace Works Church where he enjoyed doing the church barbecues.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Angela Levi McClendon; sons, Tucker Chase McClendon, Jacob “Jake” Mark Gilley; daughter, Kaitlin Marie Gilley; all of Chattanooga; father and step-mother, David and Dianne McClendon; brother, Cliff McClendon all of Birchwod, Tn.; uncles and aunts, Jerry (Terrye) McClendon, Donetta (Sam) Amberson, RuthAnne McClendon; Father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ronnie and Carolyn Levi; his dearest friends at Pirate Racing Team, Dale Avans, David, Martha and Travis Denham.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, at Graceworks Church , 6445 Lee Highway with Dr. Bill Owens and Reverend Eric Johnson officiating.
Visit http://www.chattanoogan.com/2016/6/29/327035/McClendon-Carlos-Ray-.aspx to share words of comfort to the family and view the memorial tribute.
Contributions may be sent to Graceworks Church, 6445 Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421 for the family to help with medical expenses incurred during Carlos’s years of illness.
The family will receive friends on Friday, July 1, from 4-8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road, and from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday at Graceworks Church.
