Johnny Jerome “Kool John” McLean departed his earthly life on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. He was born in High Point, NC, on September 24, 1962, the son of the late Elijah McLean Sr. and Ella Lee Southern-McLean.
In addition to his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his brother, Bobby McLean, and great nephew, Fontrel LaDetric Rorie, Jr.
Johnny graduated from Lucy C. Ragsdale, class of 1980. He was an AWESOME basketball player and overall, a great athlete. He pursued his education at Davidson County Community College, where he continued his basketball career. He dedicated his life to mentoring the male youth during his years of coaching basketball. He was an assistant basketball coach at Lucy C. Ragsdale, where he also coached his son Johnny during his basketball career at Lucy C. Ragsdale. He was employed with Drexel Heritage for several years before his health declined.
Johnny was well-known among family and friends for his outgoing personality. He never met a stranger and loved engaging in long conversations about sports. He enjoyed dancing, creating music, DJing, spending time with family and friends, and fishing with his family and friends.
Johnny leaves behind to cherish his memories: his wife, Victoria Smith-McLean of High Point, NC; two sons, Johnny McLean of High Point, NC, and Jalen McLean of Antioch, TN; a grand-daughter, Aaliyah McLean; four brothers, Elijah (Cindy) McLean Jr. of Lexington, NC, Mark “Weedy” McLean, Tyrone McLean and James “Skin” Southern all of High Point, NC; two sisters, Rebecca McLean and Vickie (Abraham) McKiver both of High Point, NC; sister-in-law, Jackie Rorie-McLean of High Point, NC; three aunts, Margrette Graham of Roland, NC, Lula Baker and Betty McLean both of High Point, NC; a host of nieces, nephews that he loved dearly; and several special cousins and friends.
A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Williams Memorial CME Church. The family will receive friends at the church from 2:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.
My deepest sympathy to the McLean family. I just learned of Johnny's passing & I am truly heartbroken behind losing my friend. The first met Johnny was at DCCC. We played ball out there together. We later teamed up again while officiating basketball. Every time I saw him over the years, we were just like we were back at DCCC. I will truly miss seeing my old friend. RIP until we meet again.
MY deepest condolence to the McLean family in the lost of Jerome.Vickey you and your family are in my prayers. Debra. T. Dawkins
Sending my condolences to the McLean family we are praying for you all..love the Johnson Family
We send our deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire Family. Lots of memories that we will cherish of KOOL JOHN REST EASY MY TKP4LIFE BROTHER
I will always hold you in my heart so many years so many memories I will cherish for the rest of my life rest in peace my brother ❤️❤️❤️❤️
My deepest sympathy and condolences go out to the McClean Family, Im sorry for the loss of Jerome, he was a brother to me as well we had so many wonderful times growing up in The Stouts. I will miss you my brother may you rest In God's hands. Love you bruh.
You have our sincere condolences. We were all like family growing up next door to each other. We pray God grants you peace. The Christian Family
We are sorry for your loss of Jerome. Growing up across the street from each other holds a lifetime of fun, laughter and great memories. We all will miss him dearly. May God give the entire family strength and peace.
Our condolences to the McLean Family
Tony/Tara Baker
We the Baker family send our prayers to your family. Vickie sorry for loss of your husband. Tim Debra Ra'Shaun Baker
Sending prayers and condolences to the family that God will comfort and strengthen you today and days ahead love Rosa Linton Ervin
My family offer our most sincere condolences to Jerome's family. As we know him growing up in Carson Stout. Love you all, our prayers. The Dawkins family! Janice,Denese,Deborah and Richard. Mom
No sympathy is deep enough, no words are caring enough to take away sorrow. Baker,Hughes, Brown and Braddy families.
My condolences to the McLean family we praying for you.Shiniqua Mccrae family
Continue to be encouraged.....The Lovette Family
Condolences to the McLean Family.A family of great athletes like Jerome. RIP 5e86
Sending our condolences to the family
Scottie/Laurie Allen
To the McLean family I'm so sorry for your loss praying for peace and comfort at this time love you all The Ivery Family
Always smiling, always laughing, always full of joy - that was Jerome. Praying for the whole family during this time. I hope you find comfort in the memories and the love that will forever be present. Lean into God because He wants to guide you through this. Rest well, Jerome. You'll forever be missed. I love ya'll!
Shanette
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to the McLean Family Ronald Berline Mitchell-Exum
Share a memory to the McClain family from Gloria Robbins little
Share a memory to the McClain family from Gloria Robbins little
My sincere condolences to the McLean family. May God give you the peace that only he can give.
RIP Johnny🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️
Lorraine Whitworth Jackson
RIP Cool John ToThe Mclean Family so sorry for your loss praying for peace and strength Jerome is now resting in the arms of our Father Im Free 🙏 ❤️ Always Dorothy Buchannon and Family
May Jerome rest in peace. Hello was a gentle and humble soul. I love the McLean family and thank God for each and every one of you all ❤️🙏. Prayers go up as blessings will fall down with his grace and mercy forever. Valerie Rorie and the Rorie family
My Condolences to the family. Jerome was one of my classmates from Ragsdale. He was always a nice and respectful guy. Everytime I saw him, he was either smiling or laughing. I'm so sorry for your loss Vicki. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rhonda Johnson Fairley
My condolences to the family.Gone but 4gotten. Kool John was exactly 💯 that,Kool!
God Bless You, Family.
Continue to Trust God to Keep You and Comfort You!
Rev., Dr. Bobby W. Green, Jr. and Dr. Gwendolyn Johnson-Green
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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