Joseph Ray McClenney III
November 30, 1955 – June 25, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear loved one, Mr. Joseph Ray McClenney III — known to all who loved him simply as Joe. Age 70, Joe passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 25, 2026, in his home in Headland, Alabama.
Joe was born on November 30, 1955, to Joe and Elaine McClenney — parents who shaped the man he would become. He was a proud 1973 graduate of Eufaula High School, where he would also find the love of his life. Joe later married his high school sweetheart, Susan Williams McClenney, and together they built a life that would span more than 51 years of devoted partnership.
Joe and Susan raised their five children with love and warmth, welcoming each of their children’s spouses as their very own. Nothing brought Joe greater joy than his grandchildren, and his devotion to family was at the very center of who he was.
To know Joe was to know a man whose passions ran deep and whose heart ran deeper. He had a remarkable gift for music, playing the piano primarily by ear — and his catalog was vast and joyful, ranging from “Amazing Grace” to Floyd Cramer, from the Eagles and Billy Joel to the Beatles. He loved the land and found something sacred in farming. Above all else, Joe cherished his family and friends.
Joe was a quietly generous man. Much of what he gave to others in his community was done privately and without fanfare — he did not seek any recognition, because generosity to Joe, was simply the right way to live. The full measure of his giving may never be known, but those he helped will carry it with them.
Joe is welcomed into heaven by his father Joe, his mother Elaine, and his sister Melanie.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Susan; their five children and spouses — Mandi & Josh Sowell, Seth & Aubrie McClenney, Claire & Billy Smith, Cole & Ashleigh McClenney, and Meg & Kelly South; and his cherished grandchildren — Anna Claire Sowell, Aiden Sowell, Clarke Ferguson, Lucie Ferguson, Decker Smith, John Bennett Smith, and Miller McClenney and soon to be welcomed Frances (Francie) Claire McClenney.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the many wonderful people who have loved, cared for, and checked on Joe throughout his life. Special and sincere gratitude to Joe’s sitters – Crystal, Austin and Temeka and the staff of Enhabit Hospice. Your kindness has meant more than words can say.
Services are under the care of Holman-Headland Mortuary and Cremations. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 P.M. Monday, June 29 2026, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with Barry Woodham officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:30 P.M. Monday at the mortuary. Immediately following the funeral, a private burial service for family and close friends will be held at Gardens of Memory in Headland.
Active pallbearers will include Seth McClenney, Cole McClenney, Josh Sowell, Billy Smith, Kelly South, Clarke Ferguson, Aiden Sowell, Steve Gates, Tyler Gates, William Parker, Keith Shippey, Daniel Whitfield, Josh McCoy, Trey Jones, Eric Parish and Ben Arrington.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Bethel Christian Academy, 3257 E. Cottonwood Road in Dothan, Alabama, 36301.
The family requests that all attendees’ dress casual.
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
