Mr. Robert J. McClain

Robert J. McClain, the son of the late Addara Horton and Willie McClain was born November 24, 1943 in Durham, N.C. He departed this life on Thursday morning March 27, 2025 from a prolonged illness. After relocating to Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his family, Robert was drafted into the U.S. Army at the age of 18 years old. He was a Combat Engineer that advanced to the rank of Master Sergeant/1st Sergeant, who deployed to Vietnam (twice), Germany, Italy, Japan and Korea. Robert was awarded the Master Parachutist Badge, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal – 4th AWD, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal – 9th AWD, the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon – 3, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon – 3, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. After 31 years of honorable military service, he settled in Fayetteville, N.C. where he married Gladys W. McClain, his loving and praying helpmate. Together, they enjoyed a peaceful and fulfilling life. Robert was preceded in death by his mother, father, sister, Mamie L. Horton; brothers, Arthur “Jimmy” Lee Young, Agers Lee Horton, and Willie McClain. He leaves to cherish precious memories; his loving and dedicated wife, Gladys; daughters, Robie McClain of Wilmington, N.C., Angionette (Jessica Gardner) Bilbrew of Austin, TX, Nycosha McClain of Dover, DE, Danielle Estrella of Greensboro, N.C.; sons, Robert (Yolanda) McClain, Anthony (Albertina) McClain, Richard (Dena) McClain all of Fayetteville, N.C., Johnte (Cristen) McClain of Mobile, AL, and Jose Santana of Miami, FL; sister, Lenetter Hinton of Raleigh, N.C.; sisters-in-law, Olga Williams (Geremy) DeAguilar and Martiza Williams Martinez of Panama; thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; three special nephews, Vinson (Shirley) Horton, Larry (Geneise) Horton and Constance (Shirley) Horton all of Durham, N.C.; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, all of whom loved him.

Mr. Robert J. McClain

November 24, 1943 - March 27, 2025