On May 20, 2025, Robert (Bob) Wallace McClellan, III, died peacefully that early Tuesday morning. He was 59.
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.
