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    Dwayne McClung Sr.

McClung remembered as ‘the real deal’

Called “the last of the old-time lawmen,” Dwayne McClung Sr., 81, is being remembered as a kind, caring and good man by those who worked with him during his tenure at the City of Pittsburg.

McClung, who served as lieutenant-investigator, chief of police and city judge, died last Saturday, Dec. 1.

Former City Manager Ned Muse said for McClung there was no gray area when it came to right and wrong.

“He took his job very seriously. He was professional in his job and he was a good person. There was no line with him between right and wrong. It was either right or wrong and that’s the way he treated everybody,” Muse said.

Sheriff Alan McCandless said county officers had great respect for McClung.

“In my 37-plus year career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of police officers, but without a doubt Dwayne McClung was one of the finest. I’ll always remember Dwayne as being one of the most genuine officers and friends I have ever known. He was the real deal,” McCandless said.

Every aspect of McClung’s life was about being a Christian and enriching the lives of children, according to his friends.

Betsy Griffis, whose boys had a strong relationship with “Mac” as they called him, said she was blessed because of his love.

“Mac. What a man. He loved unconditionally. He might not agree with you, but he still loved you. He might be disappointed in you, but he still loved you. He would find a way to let you know where he stood if he disagreed or if he was disappointed, but it was always out of love. I am so blessed he loved me,” Ms. Griffis said.

McClung was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and retired from the U.S. Air Force and Grand Master and member of the Masonic Lodge.

He enlisted in the Air Force in 1955 and during his enlistment was stationed in Omaha, Nebraska.; Washington D. C., Anchorage, Alaska; Abilene, Texas; Okinawa; and Yokoto, Japan.

In additional to his service in the military, he shot professional archery for Wing Archery Company. He qualified fourth for the U.S. Olympic Team. He was the first to shoot a perfect round of 300 in archery in Japan. He shot an exhibition shoot where the Emperor of Japan was the guest of honor.

Services were held Tuesday, Dec. 4 at Emmanuel Baptist Church at 10 a.m. Pallbearers were: Trevor Boles, Tyler Boles, Weston Griffis, Kendall Griffis, Thomas McClung, and Garett Gray. Burial was in Macedonia Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife Cathy Gray McClung of Pittsburg; sons, Ottis Dwayne McClung Jr. and wife Christina of Athens, Wayne Pierce Gray Jr. and wife Stacey of Atlanta, Ga.; daughters, Tammy McClung Geisler and husband Walter of Tyler, Laurie Gray Farish of Richardson, and Carrie Gray Baker and husband David of Brenham; daughter-inlaw, Patty McClung of East Jordan, Mich.; grandchildren, Thomas McClung, Michael McClung, Eden Kemph, Christy Weidenbach, Gary Kemph, Ryanne Lucero, Rodney Glenn McClung, Tricia McClung, Sarah Arthur, Billy Farish, Callie Murphy, Caitlin Lambert, Kristen Bates, Catherine Kristynik, Brent Gray, Garett Gray, numerous great-grandchildren, and numerous other relatives and special friends.

McClung was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Sue McClung; his parents, W. Morris and Ruby Griggs McClung of Mount Pleasant, son Rodney McClung, grandson Wesley Kemph, brothers, Wayne McClung, James McClung, and Doyle McClung, and sisters, Ruby McClung, and Mary McClung.

The Pittsburg Gazette

112 Quitman
Pittsburg, TX 75686

Phone: 903-856-6629