Ernest McLean

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (4:7)

Ernest McLean (Big E) was born on July 25, 1949, in Sanford, North Carolina to the late Sylvester McLean and Minnie Lee Smith. He transitioned from this life on Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 in the comfort of his home in Sanford, North Carolina. 

Ernest received his high school diploma from WB Wicker School in 1968. He served in the US Army where he received many medals including the Purple Heart and the Vietnam Service Medal. Ernest permanently retired from the military after being wounded in the Vietnam War that resulted in him losing his left arm. Even though he was left with one limb, Ernest continued to do everything in full compacity as if he were not wounded. Ernest completed a course in Radio & TV Broadcasting at CCCT where he then met the love of his life, Treva Headen. 

Ernest and Treva were married on November 4th, 1972 in Sanford, North Carolina. Ernest was a devoted husband of 48 years. Through this union came the birth of his three daughters, which he loved and adored. Ernest was committed to family, making sure that all knew of support to achieve their highest potential.

Ernest will always be remembered for his sense of humor and his notion to debate any topic. If there was something to discuss, he was surely front and center. He was a jokester; he loved a good joke, especially if he was the one poking the fun. Also, Ernest had a heart of gold; he did not see a person in need without extending his assistance. People loved being around him for his ability to make even a stranger feel like family. He met no strangers. One of our fondest memories is of him and his firepit.  His firepit and his dog Dexter took quite a bit of his time during most evenings. He would burn in his firepit from sunup to sundown and then come in smelling of smoke, cigar, and sweat. It did not seem to be a big deal at the time, but now it is a memory that we will never forget.  

Ernest is preceded in death by his mother, Minnie L. Smith, his father, Sylvester McLean, his sisters, Linda F. Martin and Minnie McLean, and his brothers, Jimmy Smith, Henry J. McLean, and William Smith.

He was survived by his loving wife of 48 years Treva McLean, their three biological daughters; Tonja McLean-Reid (Mike), Tasha McLean (Ricky), and Kelli Mclean-Spinks (Stacey), all of Sanford, North Carolina, and an honorary daughter; Lakisha McLean (Will) of Sanford North Carolina. Grandchildren and honorary grandchildren; Tykisha McLean-Spinks, Stacey Spinks Jr., Koby Spinks, Jaylenn Spinks, Tyra Headen, Michael Headen Jr. (Tj), Kaniyah McLean, Marquies McLean all of Sanford, North Carolina, and Keith Reeves of Chatham County, North Carolina. His sisters Zelma Smith (Charles) and Devolar McLean and his brothers James McLean and Percy McLean (Stella) all of Sanford NC.

Extended mention to his niece, Arlene B. McLean; to whom he helped raise, his Brother-in-law Michael T. Headen Sr. (Carol) of Sanford, North Carolina, and niece Ebony Harris (Nikki) who made a lasting impression on the family and would always lend a hand whenever it was needed.   

Per the request of the family this service will not be livestreamed 

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