James "Ray" McLendon, Sr.

James “Ray” Mclendon Sr., age 82, of Pike County, Alabama, was born June 11, 1943, and passed away on August 18, 2025, at Bethany House in Auburn, Alabama, surrounded by his loving family. He spent his life devoted to faith, family, and community.

In 1964, Ray married the love of his life, Zadie Ann Culpepper Mclendon. They shared 50 wonderful years of marriage before her passing. Together, they built a life filled with devotion, laughter, and the joy of raising their family.

Ray worked for many years at Gulf/BP on College Street and later at Auburn Starter Generator before retiring. He was well known and respected by both coworkers and customers. A lifelong Crimson Tide fan, Ray loved University of Alabama football. He often joked that his Auburn friends still loved him—even when Alabama beat Auburn. His playful spirit and good-natured rivalry brought laughter to many.

The joy of Ray’s life was his family. He cherished his grandsons Blake (Frances) Prince, Brandon (Becca) Prince, Ben (Hannah) Wall, and Dylan Wall; his granddaughters Kimberly Wall, Leighla (James) Baltes, Emma Mclendon, and Catherine Bayles; and his four great-grandsons, who were his pride and joy — Waylon, Wyatt, Lucas, and Dallas “Cowboy.”

He is survived by his children, Nina (Wayne) Prince, James (Charity) Mclendon, Tammy (Lee) Davis, and Heather (Austin) Bayles; his twin sister Mae Rolling, sisters Rachel Renfroe and Nancy (Glen) Bryant, and brother Reynolds (Catherine) Mclendon; his sister-in-law Betty Dykes and brother-in-law Rickey (Sue) Culpepper; along with extended family and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Zadie Ann Culpepper Mclendon; his parents, Jimmy and Florida Mclendon; and his siblings, Marylee Smith, Evelyn McDaniel, Roy Mclendon, Robert Mclendon, and Bernice Hays.

A special thank you is extended to his granddaughter Kimberly Wall for the devotion, love, and care she gave to her “Popa.” The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Bethany House for the love, compassion, and support they provided during Ray’s final days.

Ray will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of Alabama football, his humor, his unwavering devotion to family, and the kindness he showed to everyone he met. His legacy of love and laughter will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.

Visitation will be held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Jeffcoat-Trant Chapel. Burial will follow at Garden Hill Cemetery.