James Edward McLellan, affectionally known as “Buddy” son of the late Joe Nathan and Ethel Pearl McLellan was born on March 26, 1950. He entered into eternal rest on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, South Carolina.

James attended the public schools in Dillon County, South Carolina. James was a well loved and well respected in the Hamer and Dillon communities. He worked for Hamer Spinning Mill for a couple of years, but he worked for the SCDOT for over twenty-five years until his health began to decline.

James was a faithful member of St. Matthew AME Church under the leadership of Elder Johnnie O. Coe, but now under the leadership of Reverend Orlando McCauley Jr.

He loved to sing his gospel music. He sang with the Mighty Ds’ and the Dixiaires and called the guys his “Brothers.” My Brothers, don’t be sad, be happy because we had some good times up and down that highway. I love yall.

James was married to the late Helen McQueen McLellan and to their union was an only child, Eugene McLellan their big baby. They loved him more than words can ever express. That was in his mother’s words, their big baby.

Preceding him in death ~ his wife: Helen McQueen McLellan; two sisters; two sons and his parents, one grand-daughter and two great grandchildren.

James leaves to cherish loving memories ~ two sons: Eugene McLellan of the home, Tim (Trinette) Ellerbee of Charlotte, NC; two daughters: Belva (Erwin) Abrams of Marion, SC, Ruth Ellerbee of Charlotte, NC; five sisters: Norah McCollum of Hamer, SC, Dorothy Evans of Fairmont, NC, Betty Ragmon, Cora Jane Lewis of Rowland, NC, Patricia (Charles) Jacobs of Georgia; four brothers: John (Inez) Blount of Hamer, SC, Willie (Rose) McLellan of Dillon, SC, Nathaniel (Sheila) McLellan of Georgia and Antonio McLellan of Virginia; five sisters-n-law, five brothers-n-law, four grandchildren, three great grandchildren; his special friends: William Bethea, Art Green, Lacie and Dean Peppers and Albert “Bopete” McCollum and host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.