Carl Richard McClenton was born on July 6, 1956, to Willie and Elizabeth McClenton at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Carl's father Willie, his two sisters, Christina, and Pamela, brother Tim, and brother-in-law Gary preceded him in death.

Carl grew in Chicago around 57th and Aberdeen. He received his high school diploma. Carl worked many jobs from cutting meat to working for BFI in Ohio.

Carl loved to travel and shoot pool. He met his wife Kim, in July 2005 and was married in August of the same year. Carl and Kim had no children together be he loved them all the same.

Carl transitioned on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, while in North Carolina, at Atrium Health Pineville Hospital.

Carl leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife; Kimberly; mother Elizabeth; mother-in-law Shirley; daughters, Ryan Sams, Dominque Wheeler (Kendrid); sons, Donnell Smith, Sr., Deborah (David); 174 grandchildren, Donnell, Jr, (whom he raised since he was five years old), Jasmine, Kanyia, Ky'ana Keon'tae, Makenzie, Areana, Jadeyn, Arianna, Neveah, Amonei, Jaylynn, Mikaylah, Olivia, Bella, Yay, Amiya; one great-grandchild, Kaysaan; two sisters by choice, Sheena and Denise; and so many friends and family.