Clelland Ray MacClain

Clelland Ray MacClain, age 92, of Seminole, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2024, at Palm Garden of Pinellas after a long and difficult battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He was born on October 2, 1931, in Yale, Oklahoma, to Floyd Benton MacClain and Doris Lorene Briscoe.
Clelland is survived by his daughters Lydia MacClain, Helen MacClain, and Heather Strasheim; son Stewart MacClain; grandchildren Stewart MacClain Jr., Nicole Calami, and Britta Strasheim; great-grandchildren Cody MacClain, Michaela Calami, David Calami, and Megan MacClain. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gail Francis Grandbouche, and his parents, as well as his sister, Erlene Gray.
Clelland and Gail shared 49 wonderful years of marriage before his passing, building a family and a life that he cherished deeply. He worked for many years in the field of geology, where he held various roles, including geologist, regional salesman, manager, supervisor of marketing, applications engineer, petroleum consultant, and field foreman. He was known for his dedication to his work, contributing to the design and redesign of several drilling tools, as well as creating a teaching aids for geology education.
Clelland knew the lyrics to countless tunes and could play even the smallest of harmonicas. He enjoyed a wide variety of music from Classical to fun Irish songs to Country music and gospel hymns. He also enjoyed reading, hunting, and woodworking. His love for history was matched by his impressive vocabulary, and his loyalty and sentimentality were evident in everything he did.
Throughout his life, Clelland lived in many places, including Yale, Oklahoma; Crossville, Illinois; Stafford, Kansas; Lawrence, Kansas; Pensacola, Florida; Norman, Oklahoma; Alvin, Texas; Littleton, Colorado; Edmond, Oklahoma; Oklahoma City; Odessa, Texas; Midland, Texas; Austin, Texas; Artesia, New Mexico; and Appaloosa Los Angeles.
He was a homebody by nature, but always willing to do whatever hard work was necessary to provide for his family. His love for his family was unwavering, and his hugs were legendary. He treasured children, always wanting to make them smile, and his relationship with his grandfather, a pastor, shaped his early life with a sense of love and devotion.
A funeral service will be held at Bay Pines VA on November 22, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. Clelland will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and in the legacy of kindness, knowledge, and joy he left behind.