Samuel Edward McLean, Sr.

Mr. Samuel Edward McLean, Sr., age 84, of Sanford, NC transitioned to eternal rest on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at his residence. 

1 Corinthians 13:11
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
Samuel Edward (Malloy) McLean Sr.
January 10, 1942 – April 15, 2026

Samuel (Malloy) McLean, Sr. was born in Wagram, NC to Lou Bertha Malloy (McLean), born May 30, 1917, and tragically passed away from cervical cancer in 1943 when he was six months olds. Prior to her passing, his father James Harold McLean, born on July 3, 1921, and dutifully served in the US Army and elevated to rank of Mess Sergent, proposed and married my mother at her bedside, before she sadly passed away on April 28, 2008.

Lou Bertha was the daughter of Murry Malloy and Ella Martin Malloy and was one of seven children: James A Malloy, Marvin J. Malloy, Razzie Malloy, Razzie Mae Malloy, John A Malloy, and Oscar Malloy.

Harold James was the son of James Milton born on 1st of December 1895, and transitioned on the 14th of November 1955 and Nannie Florence Tuck McLean, born on the 27th of October 1895 and transitioned on 23rd of February 1968. After his mother’s he was raised by Ella Martin Malloy until her 1962. Harold James was one of five siblings: Maggie McLean, Alma L. McLean Baker, Annie McLean McGilivery, and Thelma McLean.

Ewings and Clara M. McLean Glegg who by the grace of God and all his Glory is still with us.
Growing up he was surrounded by family who showered him with loved, and affection and instilled in him the word of God. He went fishing with uncles and enjoyed hanging out with his favorite cousin Achie.

He graduated from W.B Wicker High School, class of 1960, and vowed to keep in touch with his classmates who became forever friends. After graduating his eagerness for more knowledge he left his beloved hometown to begin explore the world and moved to Troy, New York where I met and married Jacqueline Pinchback (McLean) and had four beautiful children: Latonya R. McLean, Terri M. McLean who sadly and with a heavy heart passed away on November 4th , 2025 at the age of 62. Tiffany N. McLean and Samuel E. McLean Jr., in addition, he had a son, Daren K. Allen.
Immediately after leaving his beloved hometown and determined to make his mark on the world he attended Cornell University in 1979 where he studied Business Law and went on to attend the College of Saint Rose in New York in 1981 and studied Business Administration, Accounting and Marketing.

After completing his studies he inserted himself in the community and became a advocate for civil rights by joining the NAACP 1970 and became a member of ADAH Chapter #60, Order of the Eastern Stars PHA, Zerrubable Chapter #RA Masons PHA, Altabari Temple #121, A.E.O.N.M.S, Tuscan Lodge #85 F&M PHA, Men’s Achievement Committee Inc., Schenectady Police Community Relations Committee, Committee of Law Order Of Justice, Albany, NY Consistory #90 AASRF-P.H.A, 5TH District Association, APL/CIO Local #301 I.U.E, Empire Rod & Gun Club, Advisory Committee for State Senator Hugh Farley 44th District, Charman of the Social Action Human Relations Committee I.U.E, Local #301, Board Member for Carver Community Center, Board Member for United Way of Schenectady, NY.

In 1974 he established MCM Production, as Charman of Planning to uplift black men in the community to teach, acknowledge and reiterate their importance and value.
After building up his community resume, he applied and was offered a management position with General Electric in Schenectady, NY where he excelled and immediately skyrocketed to management for 27 years and then was offered a management position with Knolls Atomic Lab/Martin Marietta/Lockheed Martin from April 1993 and retired in April 2004.
After retiring he returned to his hometown, purchased a home and began his life with his lifelong partner, Cathryn Cornelius, and reunited with his beloved church, Fair Promise AME Zion Church in Sanford and began his community work once again.

Immediately upon his return he joined James Hill Chapter #63 and bought with him his affrications from New York; Khalif Temple #144 and joined James Hill Chapter #63 (Order of the Eastern Stars) and Sanford Masonic Lodge # 101 where he continued his mission of spreading knowledge, community, respect and honor. While his accolades are many, he remained humble and remained throughout his life to continue to teach, learn, absorb and pay it forward.

He is not survived by anyone because in his mind, body and soul he’s not leaving anyone behind as long as his spirit remains in all he loved and all those who truly loved him, he will remain in our hearts, mind and souls forever.

Samuel Edward McLean Senior “Family Tree”.
Children: Latonya R. McLean, Terri M. McLean, Tiffany N. McLean-Moore, Samuel E. McLean Jr., Daren K Allen.
Grandchildren/Great Grand Children: Deja’vu R. McLean-Fulton, Evan M. Smith (Emajs) Breanna N. Trantham, Brittney N. Riggins-Spruell, Issac R. Baker, Isaiah R. Baker, Iris O. Moore, Lexus N. McLean, Jonathan J. Dixon, Josiah J. Dixon, Nasir A. Whitfield, Niklaus E. Smith, Savannah M. Kyler, Tristan G. Thompson, Alya J. Mann, Jade E. Jenkins, Gabrielle N. Smith-Jenkins, Daren Lewis, Mia Thorpe, Brianna Willis, Darius Allen, Deven Allen, Danee Allenee.
Sister: Lois Mae Malloy-Danzy
Brother: Archie Malloy-Wooten
Nieces: Nancy, Shmek, Archian, Sharineka, and Robin
Nephews: Dante, Corey, Nakian, Tony, Ricky, Danny
Cousin: Samuel (Bunny) Malloy, James C. Malloy, Linda Malloy,
Mark A. Malloy, Diane Malloy, and Sarita Malloy.

Remember me not for my misdeeds, shortcomings, or failures, but my genuine love for my family, friends, and “The One Most High”.
 
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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home - Sanford, NC