TRIBUTE: ROBERT (BOB) WALLACE MCCLELLAN III OF M.S.MCCLELLAN

MR magazine is saddened to report the passing of Bob McClellan, the energetic guy we’d always see running around trade shows, the guy with the red hair, the big smile and the most engaging personality. He died unexpectedly of a heart issue at a very young 59.

Says colleague Ted Silver from Weiss & Goldring, Alexandria Louisiana. “We are all devastated. Bobby was kind, compassionate, full of life. He was a legacy store owner who took the part and ran with it. He will be greatly missed.”

From Hill Stockton at Norman Stockton in Winston-Salem, “Bob McClellan was a dear soul and a kind human being. A colleague and a true friend. That he died so unexpectedly was a real tragedy: no time to say goodbye.”

George Wilder from The Locker Room in Montgomery shares that he and Bob were just planning their next dinner in NYC for early June. “Bobby and I started a Thursday night dinner tradition in NYC some 15-20 years ago; we’d go to our favorite restaurant where we were always treated like royalty. It started with three of us and eventually grew to 10 great friends. As Bob would say, ‘It’s nice to have some adult conversation.’ And we did! We discussed everything, not just business. Bob was an avid reader, a smart guy but humble enough to ask questions and always striving to learn. We’re going to miss him, and his wonderful sense of humor, tremendously. There’s a hole in our hearts already.”

Fred Derring from DLS speaks fondly of Matthew, Bob and Dan, DLS members for a good two decades. “Bob was more than a colleague; he was a friend and valued partner from the moment he joined the team. His presence and dedication over the years have had a lasting impact. He will be deeply missed by all of us at DLS.”

Bill Coffman from Coffman’s Men’s Wear in Greenville NC will forever cherish Bob’s friendship. “It’s with a heavy heart that I reflect on the unexpected passing of my dear friend Bob. I always looked forward to seeing him at the markets and at our Luxe Group meetings. I’ll truly miss his infectious wit and the bright smile that always graced his face. My deepest thought and prayers are with the McClellan family during this time of profound loss.”

John Coffman writes this: “Bob McClellan was the quintessential Southern Gentleman. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. His infectious smile and laughter were the best. He loved his family, MS McClellan and the Tennessee Vols. Bob was a longstanding member of the Luxe Group, always providing valuable input. He was the one who put together our standing Monday night dinner at Shaws Crab House in Chicago. Thank you, Bob, for being such a good friend.”

Sums up Andy Mallor of Andrew Davis Clothiers in Bloomington Indiana, “We have lost a great friend and a very kind soul.”

The following bio was published in the Knoxville News Sentinel:

Bob was born May 8, 1966, to prominent businessman and clothier Matthew McClellan and his wife Leandra Slate, becoming the seventh generation of McClellan to reside within Knox County. As years passed, Matthew remarried to Martha Nabors, who lovingly embraced Bob as her very own from that day forward. Bob graduated from Webb School of Knoxville in 1985 and was elected president of the student body his senior year. Upon graduation, he matriculated at the University of Tennessee and joined the Tennessee Kappa chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, representing the fourth generation of membership into that Beloved Order. During those years, he further honed those characteristics essential for a true gentleman and the development of a man, culminating in his final year in school as the Chapter’s Eminent Deputy Archon.

After graduation, Bob began his career at M.S. McClellan, where he assumed the role of general manager. While developing the business, Bob had the good fortune to be introduced to, and eventually marry in 2006, the love of his life Julie Bonich. In addition to work and family, Bob was a keystone in the creation and development of “The District in Bearden”, a vibrant collection of local businesses that support the art of fine living in the Bearden area. Forever a fervent volunteer, Bob actively supported the Young-Williams Animal Center, Lakeshore Park, Friends of the Smokies, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, St. John’s Cathedral, and, of course, all things Big Orange.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wallace McClellan, Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. George Edward Slate. He is survived by his wonderful, loving wife of almost 20 years, Julie McClellan (née Bonich), his parents Matthew and Martha McClellan of Knoxville, and his mother Leandra Slate of Linville Falls, North Carolina. He is also survived by his brother, Matthew S. McClellan, IV (Donna), his sister Hannah McClellan Richards (Morgan), his niece Ryan Nabors Richards and nephew Ethan Matthew Richards, his mother-in-law Dorris June Bonich, brother-in-law Chris Bonich (Danielle), nephew Bobby Bonich, half-sister Rebecca Palmyra and her son Tyler, half-brother Joe Palmyra and his son Bryce, and other wonderful relatives too many to name.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 2 pm at St. John’s Cathedral with The Very Reverend Christopher J. Hackett, officiating. A reception will immediately follow in the John and Lois Ross Great Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you hug your loved ones tightly and consider donating to a local charity that spreads love and support throughout the community. Finally, in a lasting gesture of final respect for the memory of Bob McClellan, please remember there is no “Woo!” in Rocky Top.