Albert James McClinton, 74, was born Nov. 26, 1944, to the late Nelson and Edna Mae Battle McClinton in Valdosta, Georgia. He departed this life into eternal rest Saturday, May 18, 2019, at Hospice House & Support Care, Williamsburg.
He was preceded in death by his parents; foster parents; sister, Lillie Bell; son, Terrance Martin; and stepdaughter, Monica Russell.
“Al,” as he was affectionately known by family and friends, left Valdosta, Georgia, at the age of 16. He attended Pinevell High School in Valdosta. He then migrated to Jacksonville, Florida, and after a short period there, he met his foster parents, Sam and Mercedes Lackland, and moved with them to Williamsburg. On Aug. 22, 1998, he married Linda Lee Russell. In 2016, he joined fellowship with Colossian Baptist Church in Newport News to be with his wife.
Al was employed at the Williamsburg Pottery for many years. After leaving there, he became an Alcohol and Beverage Control supervisor at Colonial Williamsburg for 22 years, retiring in 2006. He then worked at the College of William & Mary in the Hospitality Department. From 2007 to 2016, he worked for Jefferson Lab, Newport News, as a food service worker. He enjoyed this job, and he had an awesome relationship with the staff. Due to his illness, he had to leave Jefferson Lab and all of his beloved friends and coworkers.
Al was an awesome cook and will be remembered for his specialty, the “Fish House Punch” and his bread and rice pudding. Whenever he was invited to your home, he would always have some special dish and/or dessert with him for family and friends to enjoy. He loved people, and people loved him. He was generous and giving. His family meant so much to him and he will truly be missed. He had been ill for a short period of time, but he is now in a better place where there is no more pain and no suffering.
He leaves to cherish his memories with his loving wife of 20 years, Linda Lee McClinton; daughters, Renae Jones (Johnny) of Jacksonville, Florida, and Alicia McClinton of North Carolina; two sons, Albert McClinton Jr. and Tony McClinton, both of Jacksonville, Florida; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Powell of Jacksonville, Florida; sisters-in-law, Bernice “Otelia” Walker and Angelette Dennis (Roland); aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many special and caring friends.
A funeral service, celebrating his life will be held at noon, Friday, May 24, at Colossian Baptist Church, with the Rev. Morris L. Randall officiating. Family and friends will assemble at the church by 11:30 a.m. Mr. McClinton may be viewed from 10 a.m. to noon prior to services at the church.
Share online condolences with the family at Whiting’s Funeral Home.
