James A. "Tony" McClure, 64, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012 at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital.
Tony served as a navy Corpsmen in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart Medals for his sacrifice and bravery. In 1971 he was awarded outstanding veteran of the year by the Disabled American Veterans. He then graduated from Murray State University in 1974. Throughout his lifetime he became an administrator with the Blue Grass Counsel Boy Scouts, a KY state fire marshall, a member of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America program, a KY Colonel and a mayor of Yankeetown, FL., as well as many Florida civic and volunteer organizations. Later in life he founded Dunnellon Wine and Spirits and retired in 2009. He was an accomplished chef and lover of horse racing and travel.
He is survived by his mother, Jeanne Austin; two brothers, Ronnie McClure of Paducah, KY and Scott McClure of Mayfield, KY; and only son, J. Allan McClure of Floral City.
A memorial service was held at 11 AM Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012, at 9768 S.W. 195th Circle, Dunnellon. A later service will be in Noble Park, Paducah, KY, and his ashes will be placed in the family cemetery at Land Between the Lakes, KY.
Please sign the guestbook below.
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Tony as a young child when we both went to the Curlee Club House in Mayfield, KY. I remember him always wearing Bunny Bread T-Shirts — One day when I was swinging too high and singing too loudly while swinging, he let me know what he thought about it! Several years later, I ran into him again while we were students at Murray State and in the same biology class. He became a wonderful friend and biology study partner! Now, all these years later, I have wondered where he went after he graduated from Murray State & how he was doing — He’s been heavily on my mind now for several years — Only now to realize that he is now “whole” again with our Heavenly Father — He was such an admirable person here on this earth!