Freddie McClendon, 75, of Brookfield, GA passed away peacefully at his home on May 18, 2025, after a long battle with extended illnesses. Born on Flag Day, June 14, 1949, to the late Horace and Ethel McClendon of Mora, GA, he always joked that "they ran up all the flags" because he was born. Weighing less than 2 pounds at birth, Freddie would always be a fighter. God used his stubborn ways to further his faith through many different times in life when physicians gave no hope.

Freddie retired from the GA Department of Transportation where he met the love of his life and worked as parts manager for the District 4 maintenance shop in Tifton. Even though a debilitating stroke had left his body weakened he never stopped working for the Lord. Ordained as a deacon at Springhill Baptist Church he served in many capacities including treasurer and van driver. When his family moved to Brookfield Baptist Church in the early 1990s, he began a van ministry that is still thriving decades later. He spearheaded construction and mission teams during the building of the new fellowship hall building in 2007. He could be found at almost any function for the church throughout the years. Whether he was popping in the nursery to make a baby smile, or running the sound board slightly off key, he was going to make sure he did his part. He served faithfully in many capacities such as a dedicated Deacon, Sunday School Director, and Youth Leader. He also believed in visiting the sick. He put countless miles on his GMC pickup truck driving Brother Edward Mimbs to sit for hours on end in surgery waiting rooms with church families in Tifton, Albany, Atlanta, and other hospitals.

He was the ultimate spectator. He loved supporting his family and would find him quietly sitting on the sidelines watching whatever they were engaged in doing. Many weekends were spent trackside at his son's tractor pulls or in the bleachers at his grandchildren's livestock shows.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Sue Hall McClendon, a stepson, Wade Cribb, one sister Kathleen "Kat" Sears, 2 brothers Johnny McClendon & Harvey McClendon.

He is survived by a son: Jeffery McClendon (Amy) of Brookfield; 4 grandchildren: Courtney Cribb (Nashville), Casey Cribb (Spokane, Washington), Katie McClendon (Brookfield), Will McClendon (Brookfield); two great-granddaughters: Harmony Bass & Delilah Cribb. He is also survived by his brother Ed McClendon: (Jackie) of Leesburg and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11 AM in the Brookfield Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Davis and Rev. Gary Cadwell officiating. Interment will follow in the Brogdon Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 6 to 8 PM in the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be the deacons of Brookfield Baptist Church. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Brookfield Baptist Building Fund.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the physicians, nurses, and staff of the cardiology step-down unit of Tift Regional and Hospice of Tift Area for their care and compassion during his last days.