Willis Allen McClain

Willis Allen McClain, age 92, of New Market, went so peacefully to be with our Savior on Thursday, February 19, 2026. He was born within a few feet of his current residence on Nance's Ferry Rd. He was a most faithful and joyous member of Nance’s Grove Baptist Church, where he carried those traits in being the teacher of the Senior Class and a member of Nance’s Grove Choir. Willis served this great nation aboard the USS Aircraft Carrier, Randolph CVA-I5, traveling to nine different countries. He felt privileged and honored to be representing the USA and never swayed in doing what was right and being willing to stand for it. He was truly a man worth looking up to. He worked for the railroad for one year and three months before an injury to his shoulder ended his career. He then joined Gordon Slagle Construction Company where he helped to build many barns throughout Jefferson County. He also worked for Golden Hayworth Construction Company with his main project being the Old Jefferson City Library. Later on Willis began working for Magnavox because they offered many benefits to their employees. He would then spend a total of 21 years working for them, starting as a line worker repairman. He spent the last nine years as a Supervisor. Magnavox survived a strike in 1961, and many layoffs in the years that followed so Mr. McClain chose farm life because of his love of the great outdoors and left the factory life in 1980. He was happiest when hauling hay and found it a great time for his connection with God. He enjoyed the Master’s creation. He treasured seeing all the little animals, colors, and the trees. All that God had created just for him. In 1991, Willis became a Gideon. He wanted to be God’s man; he wanted to please Him. He served as Chaplain for many years. He currently held the position as their card liaison. Willis was so proud to have the privilege of placing a Gideon Bible in someone's hands. Be assured and confident in the fact that if Mr. McClain knew you were a lost person, you were prayed for. He prayed out loud, consistent, and continuously for many people for many years. He was the community lighthouse, never failing to attend the Gideon prayer breakfast as long as his health allowed. Working, fishing, or hunting never superseded this duty to serve. Rain, snow, or sleet never stopped the Gideon prayer men. Willis was preceded in death by his parents, Sally and Burt McClain; first wife, Alice Faye McClain; brother, Gene McClain; stepson, Dennis Bailey; stepdaughter, Debbie Boley; daughter-in-law, Colleen Bailey; and sister, Lorene Lewis. He is survived by his wife, Georgie; stepsons, Richard Bailey and Noland (Lisa) Nance; daughter, Marteasa Pratt; son-in-law, Randy (Drayma) Pratt; twin grandchildren, Savannah and Sailor; special grandchildren, who are here now helping us and serving others, Damian Wyatt and Dennis Lee Bailey; special great grandchildren, Karly, Jade, and Wesley; niece, Brenda Anderson; a host of young ones too numerous to attempt to list, who lived at his house at some time in their lives; many step grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He loved all of them. Willis would be the first to tell you that his inspiration for living, his greatest joy in life was being a part of the twins’ lives. As they grew older, his favorite verse quoted to them was Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and these things shall be added to you.” Mr. McClain was one of God’s special people. The ones who touch our days with kindness, fill our hearts with gratitude, and bring His love to life. The family wishes to express their gratitude to UT Hospice for their care for Willis. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to be made to Nance's Grove Baptist Church 2214 Nance's Grove Church Road, New Market, TN 37820. Funeral service 6 pm on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Nance’s Grove Baptist Church in New Market. Friends and family will meet at 2 pm on Wednesday, February 25th, at Nance’s Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 pm to 6 pm at the church prior to the funeral on Tuesday. Fielden Funeral Home is honored to serve the McClain family.

Willis Allen McClain

July 12, 1933 - February 19, 2026