EV. ROYCE LEDONE “BUDDY” McCLELLAND, age 88, of Eastman, GA, died Saturday, December 21, 2024, at his residence. A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM Friday, December 27, 2024, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Larry Ray, Mr. John Dykes, and Dr. Donnie Sutton officiating. Royce was born on March 4, 1936, in Cairo, GA, in Grady County, and was a member of Ocmulgee Baptist Church. He attended high school before joining the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. After serving his country proudly he returned home where he met his wife and started his family. Once saved he attended Bible College at Trinity Bible College in Dunedin, FL. where he earned a degree. Royce was a produce manager for over 30 years for Winn Dixie, Bi-Lo, and Piggly Wiggly. In recent years he was employed as a contract stockman for area grocery stores and known as “The Little Debbie Man”. He was a Baptist minister for over 50 years and pastored many churches including Poplar Springs and Ocmulgee Baptist. He served in the National Guard for several years and was a proud member of the American Legion. He loved fishing, tending his vegetable garden, hunting, listening to music, and watching westerns on TV. Most of all, he was a people person and loved everyone he met. He was a great presence everywhere he went. Rev. McClelland was known as “Papa Royce” and “Papa” to his grandchildren. He was the son of the late Faye Godwin McClelland and Roy Lee McClelland and was preceded in death by his sisters, Marva Lee West and Hilda Van Diver, brothers, Bruce McClelland and Cordell McClelland, and his son-in-law, Timothy Brantley. He is survived by his Wife of 64 years; Son; Daughters; Grandchildren; Great Grandchildren; Sister and Brother; Sisters-In-Law and Brothers-In-Law; Numerous Nieces and Nephews. The family may be contacted at the residence and will receive friends and family at Southerland Funeral Chapel from 1:00PM-2:00PM Friday, December 27, 2024. In addition to flowers contributions can be made to Samaritans Purse, samaritanspurse.org or Gideons International Bible Fund or Ocmulgee Baptist Church, in care of Rev. Wayne Poole, 1896 Hwy 126, Cadwell, GA 31009.