Mr. Earl McClelland III, 65, of Charlotte, NC departed this life on April 27, 2023, at Atrium Health Main.

Earl McClelland, III, affectionately known as "Tobe," was born in Charlotte, North Carolina but was raised in Newark, New Jersey.  Earl was the only child of Earl McClelland, Jr. and Katherine Wentz McClelland.  Earl peacefully transitioned into his heavenly home on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center Main in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Earl accepted Christ at an early age and along with his parents, they attended New Hope Baptist Church in New Jersey where he sang on the children's choir.  Once moving back to Charlotte, they attended Saint Paul Presbyterian Church faithfully.

Earl's father sustained war injuries.  At an early age, he had to take on adult responsibilities to help his mother.

Earl was educated in the public school system in Newark, New Jersey but once returning to Charlotte, he graduated from Garinger High School Class of 1975.  Earl worked as a warehouse manager for Heads and Threads until his retirement in 2014.  He then started his own business, "E&J" Courier Services.

Earl met his "Endless Love", Jackie, in January 1977 at McDonald's on Beatties Ford Road after a Friday night football game.  Ten years later, they married on Valentine's Day, February 14th, 1987.  From this union, they were blessed with two beautiful sons, Jamar and Jarell, and one adopted son, Omar Gainey, who joined this union.

Earl loved traveling with his wife, children, family and friends.  Earl loved gardening and grew the most beautiful flowers and plants.  He also loved to watch TV and play his old school music.  Earl was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan.  He was a homebody and loved to entertain our guests.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Jr. and Katherine McClelland; also, his father- and mother-in-law, Roosevelt Jr. and Virginia Withers; and two brothers-in-law, Roosevelt and Michael Withers.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories his wife, Jackie McClelland; their children, Jamar McClelland (Cherita), Jarell McClelland (Dontia), Omar Gainey; nine grandchildren, Janell, Jarell Jr., Janai, Jamar and Prince McClelland, Nadia, Mason and Devin Robinson and Omar Gainey Jr.; four brothers-in-law, Victor (Jackie), Tony, Melvin and Scott; five sisters-in-law, Debra (Rick), Pamela (James), Yolanda, Tonya (Michael) and Audria (Wayne); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.