L. Edward McClellan Jr.

Louie Edward McClellan Jr., “Edward”, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2024, surrounded by his family, at Hospice of Marion County. Born in St. Petersburg, FL, on November 1, 1942, Edward’s family moved to Ocala, FL when he was young, where he would reside for most of his life. His most cherished memories always involved Sharon, his children, and grandchildren, and were usually shared over Florida Gator football, on the water—especially at Lake Weir—at horse shows, in the Maggie Valley mountains, on the golf course, or around the kitchen table of their beloved home of almost forty years. There was no shortage of dogs, storytelling, sarcasm, or love. Edward graduated from the University of Florida in 1964, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, and the University of Florida College of Law in 1966. After law school and several clerkships, Edward and his young family moved to Miami in 1968, where he joined the firm of Frates, Fay, Floyd, and Pearson, eventually making partner. In 1972, he co-founded the firm of Rentz, McClellan, and Haggard. In 1979, the family returned to Ocala, and Edward established what would ultimately become McClellan and Batsel. For almost forty years, he practiced law alongside his dear friend and partner, Robert Batsel, until his retirement in late 2020. Edward’s dedication to his clients and the legal profession was widely revered. He also contributed significantly to the legal community through his years of service on various committees and sections of both the Florida Bar and the American Bar Association. Edward was preceded in death by his beloved son Madison B. McClellan, his parents Bennie D. McClellan and Louie Edward McClellan Sr., his brother Byron D. McClellan, his parents-in-law Ruth P. Koontz and Madison S. Koontz, and his sister-in-law Kathy Koontz Snyder. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Sharon Koontz McClellan, his daughter Mollie McClellan Akes, and his granddaughters, Madison K. McClellan, Mackenzie K. McClellan, and Madeline S. Akes. He also leaves behind many loving extended family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Hospice of Marion County, in gratitude for the compassionate care Edward received.

L. Edward McClellan Jr.

November 1, 1942 - September 24, 2024