James Michael McClinton's Obituary
James Michael "Mike" McClinton
Memorial services for James Michael "Mike" McClinton, 63, of Longview will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2009 in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Longview with Dr. Bill O'Neal officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Rader Funeral Home.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Mike was born November 28, 1945 in Waco, Texas. He left this earth on Friday, July 24, 2009 after a courageous battle with Lou Gehrig's disease. Mike attended public schools in Waco then went to North Texas State University where he played football. He received a bachelor's degree in education. He retired from GMAC and then began his long list of mini careers; finance manager for several local dealerships, owner of a used car lot, Rader Funeral Home, Gregg County jail and finally his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer at the age of 60. He worked for the White Oak PD and Kilgore College PD. Mike married his wife Janie, in 1968, and they were one month shy of celebrating their 41st wedding anniversary. He had been a resident of Longview for the past 32 years and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
Mike has two daughters, Jennifer Rawls and husband Byron of White Oak, and Jessica Williams and husband Matt of Mesquite; two granddaughters, Taylor and Kennedy Neighbors, who were the loves of his life; and Jack, his Jack Russell terrier, who was his constant companion.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Doris McClinton and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Lummus of Waco.
Besides his wife, children and grandchildren, he leaves behind his father, James C. McClinton of Waco; sisters, Patricia Mullica of Waco, Kaye Quinton and husband Bill of Corpus Christi, and Kim Price and husband Robert of Waco. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, contributions will be accepted to the ALS Foundation ? Lou Gehrig's Disease at ALS Foundation, 8142 Lawndale Ave., Skokie, IL 60076-3322, www.als-mda.org or to Beacon Hospice at Margaret's House, 5016 Gilmer Rd., Longview, TX 75604.
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