Cecil Boyd McClain

Cecil Boyd McClain, son of the late George and Laura Knight McClain died on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.  He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife Jean Faye Reams McClain who he married on March 23rd, 1984, and loved dearly.

Born in Edgecombe County, NC on February 23rd, 1940, Cecil graduated from Booker T. Washington High School as part of the class of 1958.  He was a proud Army veteran with six years of service as a Medical Corpsman and Medical Specialist.  He was stationed in Germany and Hawaii.  He was awarded the National Defense Service and Good Conduct Medals.  Following his service, Cecil was a shoemaker for 30 years working for Tharrington’s Cobbler Shop at Tarrytown Mall.  Cecil was always someone who enjoyed working with his hands.  He was skilled in leather crafts, mending and hemming as well as creating shotgun and rifle carrying cases and pistol holsters.   Cecil was well known locally for his hand made fans.  He made over 500 fans that were distributed to senior-living centers throughout Rocky Mount, earning him the moniker, “the fan man”.  During his service Cecil also received a certificate for 40 hours of photography training.  This became a lifelong hobby, and he captured photos of many family events.  He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed spending time with his family and his pet dogs.

He is also survived by his sister Glenda McClain, his daughter Phyllis Price Potts, her husband Will Potts, his sister-in-law Redesse Allen and a host of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Cecil was preceded in death by his parents as well as his sister Isabel McClain Dicks, his brothers Allen “Sonny Boy” McClain, Earl McClain, Benjamin McClain, Eugene McClain, Lemuel McClain, and George Frederick McClain.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Cecil’s life will be held on Sunday, March 16th, 2025, at 4:00 pm in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N Winstead Ave, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  The family will welcome visitors from 3:00 pm to 3:45 pm, prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

A Graveside Service will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, March 17th, 2025, at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.