TIFTON — William Stevenson "Billy" McClearen, 67, of Tifton passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at Tift Regional Medical Center. Graveside funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Oakridge Cemetery. Dr. W. Ches Smith III and Dr. Wayne Roe will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 tonight at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.

Born April 6, 1942, he was the only son of the late William Arch "Bud" McClearen and Virginia Wolfe Stevenson McClearen of Washington, Ga. A graduate of Wilkes County High School, he continued his education at Norman Park College and the University of Georgia. He was employed in the family business, McClearen Electric, for many years, even after moving to Tifton, where he has been a resident since 1985. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Washington.

Mr. McClearen is survived by his wife of 39 years, Barbara Sanders McClearen, the love of his life, of Tifton; his loving daughters and son-in-law, Leianna McClearen Ishler and her husband, Brent, of Tifton and Brittany McClearen of Milledgeville; one sister and brother-in-law, Valerie McClearen Jackson and her husband, Bobby, of Tignall (Wilkes County); two nephews, Steve and Rob Jackson; and his beloved grandchildren, Hunter, Brent, Wilkes and Alexandra.

Billy will be remembered by family and friends for his goodness as well as his devotion and love for his family. This love and goodness was apparent to all who knew him, by the care that he gave to his late mother-in-law on a daily basis, Bessie Marchant Sanders, during the last several years of her life. They called each other "best friend" and enjoyed each other's company. Spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren was the highlight of his life and what he loved most to do. In earlier years, he enjoyed car racing, as a participant and as an observer.

You may express online condolences to the family at www.bowen-donaldson.com. Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals is in charge of arrangements.