John Levi McClanahan, Sr.

John Levi McClanahan, Sr., age 77, passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Miami Valley Hospital. John was born November 13, 1947 in Wilmington, Ohio to Clayton L. and Irene (Mullen) McClanahan. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Vicky S. (South) McClanahan. They were married on August 21, 1965 in Wilmington, Ohio. Other survivors include two daughters, Bobbi Wright and Mandy Pruitt; daughter-in-law, Sandy McClanahan; six grandsons, Chris (Jessica) Dyer, Zachary Dyer, Peyton Wamer, Cole Wamer, Levi McClanahan, Austin McClanahan, and one granddaughter, Macy Pruitt; two great-grandchildren, Claire and Sara Dyer; sisters, Rosalee Doyle, Nancy Stecker, MaryEllen (Bob) Schneider, Peggy (Gary) Dillon, and Patty (Mike) Reynolds; sisters and brothers-in-law, Dixie South, Joann South, Bea and Lee Neace, and T.I. Walker; several nieces and nephews; and three very special friends, Mike Riegel, Roger Hamilton, and Jim Barnett. He was preceded in death by his parents; children, Jennifer Lynn Dyer and John Levi McClanahan, Jr.; special son-in-law, Mark Wright; infant brother, Joseph; mother-in-law, Beatrice Barney; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill South, Lloyd South Jr, Mike South, Mary South, Jerry South, Cindy South, Rick Walker, and Leo Doyle. John was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. He was always ready with a witty joke to tell and willing to help anyone who needed it. He was very smart and could build or repair almost anything. John loved to work in his barn building things and working on cars. He built his grandchildren a go-cart to ride around their property. He dearly loved his family. His grandchildren were the light of his life. John also had a passion for tractors. He had a collection of toy International Harvester tractors and IH memorabilia he was very proud of. He loved to go on vacation with the whole family. He loved going camping every fall at Cowan Lake. Mostly, he enjoyed being with the love of his life, Vicky. They were inseparable and went everywhere together. John was a godly man and was very active in his church. He served as an Elder and Sunday School Superintendent. John was employed by International Harvester from December 1970 until he retired in 2003. Following retirement, he was employed by Madison Ride for eight years. Most of all, John’s family was everything to him and he cherished every moment he could spend with them. His wife, children, and grandchildren remember him as a kind and loving husband, father, and grandfather who always encouraged them to pursue their goals. He was a shining example of what a human should be. Visitation will be held from 5-8 pm Thursday, October 2 in the Love Light Gospel Chapel, 8604 Selma Pike, S. Charleston. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm Friday, October 3 in the church with Pastor Nathan Carey officiating. Burial will follow in the Love Light Gospel Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by the JONES-KENNEY-ZECHMAN FUNERAL HOME. Condolences may be shared online at www.jkzfh.com. 

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