John Edward McCleese

The Life and Legacy of John Edward McCleese Sweet angels surround us as they carry his soul to Heavenly peace. When the trumpet sounded on July 24, 2023, and the angels sang “When The Saints Come Marching In,” John Edward McCleese traveled in the footsteps of his siblings who had gone before him, and he was reunited with his loved ones. We give praise for the gift HE shared with us as we celebrate his life. John was born on April 21, 1942, in Columbia, North Carolina. He was the second oldest child born to the late Henry Columbus McCleese and Lula Mae Spencer McCleese. He was preceded in death by two loving sisters, Ohrena E. Gale and Mary M. Caldwell, and two brothers, Dean L. and Gattis M. McCleese. John, also known to many as “John Edward,” was an exceptional person who always exemplified a special uniqueness in his character, ideas, and values. John has always made Salisbury his home since moving here in 1958. He received most of his formal education in the public schools of Tyrell County, NC but later graduated from the former Salisbury High School in Wicomico County, MD. As a young man in high school, he met the love of his life, June Smith, and after a brief courtship, they married and remained married for 58 years. From this union, three children were born: Darrell, Andrea, and Carlisa. John was a devout family man and a good provider who loved his wife and children dearly. He had a good, strong relationship with his children and grandchildren and would do anything in the world for them. After high school, John was drafted into the United States Army on February 4, 1964. He served honorably for two years with the 14th Artillery Division in Fort Hood, Texas. After John’s discharge from active duty, John enlisted in the Maryland Army National Guard, where he served with Detachment 1, 1229thTransportation Company, for more than 20 years as a Maintenance Supervisor until his retirement on August 8, 1991. During his service in 1990, John was deployed during the Gulf War to support Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. John received several medals and commendations, including the Army Achievement Medal and the State of Maryland Commendation Medal for meritorious and outstanding service. Additionally, John received a special award from then-Governor William Donald Schaefer for his dedication and bravery. As family and friends will attest, the discipline and patriotism he learned in the Army never left him. John was also a member and avid volunteer with the Maryland Disabled American Veterans, using his leadership abilities to help out his fellow Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen. John was employed and held several positions with the Occidental Chemical Company, later, the Spartech Plastic Company, for 25 years before his retirement. Due to being raised on a farm and his parents' love for growing a garden every year, John developed a passion for gardening. Every summer, his family and friends could count on getting some fresh vegetables and melons from his garden. They could get collard greens for Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinner. He always had to grow some okra for his sister Pattie. As much as John loved gardening, he also loved watching CNN and Jeopardy, often sparking debates with family and friends on politics and current news. John was a man of few words but of great strength. He didn’t always have much to say, but it was worth listening to when he did talk. John had a strong bond with all of his brothers and sisters; however, his sister Pattie always had a special place in his heart. He made sure to talk with her every week on the phone or in person. He was loved by all who knew him. Each one of his family, friends, and acquaintances always spoke very highly of him. John leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, June A. McCleese; son, Darrell L. McCleese of Fruitland, MD; daughters, Andrea D. Thomas (Martin, Sr.) of Carey, NC, and Carlisa D. Johnson of Newport News, VA; six grandchildren, Rondollyn and Tracey Johnson, Latashia and Nyja McCleese, Aundres and Martin, Jr. Thomas; two adorable great-grandchildren, Khai Johnson and Devon Burt; two sisters, Georgia Sumpter of Middletown, DE, and Pattie Jackson of Fruitland, MD; three brothers, Charles McCleese (Janie) of Rahway, NJ and Andrew McCleese (Elea) and James McCleese, both of Salisbury, MD., along with an uncle, aunts, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends. John will be greatly missed by his entire family and dear close friends. Mourn Me Not

John Edward McCleese

April 21, 1942 - July 24, 2023