George H. McClain

George Holmes McClain passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 30th, at the age of 99. He was predeceased by his wife of 71 years, Joyce Cotner McClain. Born to parents Paul and Nelle McClain in Martins Ferry, OH, George enlisted in the Navy in 1942 while attending Bowling Green State University. He served on the USS Massey beginning in October of 1945 then completed college where he met the love of his life, Joyce Cotner. Starting their lives together in Cleveland, they welcomed a daughter Anne (Skag Dukkers) and two sons, Bill (Anna née Ilyin) and Bob (Denise née Colston). George always supported his children’s interests, from Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts to marching band, woodworking, and basketball. During their time in Cleveland, he was an active member of Parma South Presbyterian Church.

 After a long career with US Steel in accounting and product management, he enjoyed a fulfilling second career in steel sales. George enjoyed golfing and bowling, and even carryied a 200+ pin average into his eighties. He was a dedicated member of the Cheshire Cheese Club, serving as President and Treasurer, and enjoyed discussing topics of the day with the group. George and the family cherished trips to Malley’s for ice cream sundaes. An early adopter of the word processor, he stayed current through the invention of the PC, laptop, iPad and iPhone, and impressed his grandchildren by texting them GIFs and emojis into his 100th year. After living most of his life in Cleveland and Pittsburgh, George spent his last three years on Bainbridge Island, WA with the loving care of Bill and Anna, along with Anna’s sister Natalia Ilyin, and a team of devoted caregivers at the Madison House Senior Living residence. He had a positive attitude, keen interest in what others had to say and a smile for everyone through his last day.

 George is survived by his three children and spouses, eight grandchildren: Alexandra Wilson (Gordon), Ariana Dukkers (fiancé Brendan O’Neil), Wesley McClain, Anna McClain (Aaron Levison), Harris McClain, Elizabeth Metzger (Dan), Kelsey McClain, Matthew McClain (fiancée Kassi Brown), and three great grandchildren: Charlotte and Abigail Metzger and Leo Wilson.

 A memorial service for the family will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, May 7th, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lima, OH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tin Can Sailors https://www.destroyers.org/donate/

Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA.