Mr. Curtis "Sonny" McLellan, age 81, of Vernon, AL, passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at his residence.  He was born on April 19, 1944, in Memphis, TN, to the late A.L. McLellan and Mildred Powers McLellan.

Mr. McLellan lived a full and accomplished life, holding many roles throughout the years.  He worked as a maintenance supervisor in Memphis before he and his wife, Joan, moved to Vernon, where he was employed by the Sanford Company.  He later enrolled at Mississippi State University to major in Agricultural Education.  Though he was only nine hours away from completing his degree, he left to pursue an opportunity in farming--a career he enjoyed for 25 years.

Mr. McLellan was an active member of the Alfa Farmers Federation, serving as Lamar County president and as a member of the state board of directors.  He also served Lamar County as Probate Judge for six years.  At age 55, he returned to Mississippi State University and proudly earned his bachelor's degree in Agriculture.  He later owned and operated Quail Valley Hunting Preserve for 25 years.

A dedicated member of the Church of Christ, Mr. McLellan preached at many congregations throughout the surrounding area for nearly 50 years.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mae (Robert) Spencer, and two nephews, Bobby Spencer and Timothy Spencer.

Funeral services will be Thursday, November 20, at 2:00 PM, at the Vernon Church of Christ, with Perry Knight and Scott Cole officiating.  Burial will follow at Wofford.  Visitation will be at the church 12:00-2:00 PM prior to the service.

Pallbearers will be Bo Spencer, Chris Smith, Jeff Oakes, John Reilly, Spencer Reilly, and William "Bubba" Powers.  Honorary pallbearers will be James and Kay Carr, Chris and Pearl Hollis, Willie Hood, John and Suella Matthews, Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Nails, and Jeff and Teresa Oakes.

Mr. McLellan is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joan McLellan, of Vernon, AL; two daughters, Cindy (Alvin) Foster of Vernon, AL and Stephanie McLellan of Athens, AL; three grandchildren, Morgan Foster (Justin) of Vernon, AL, Austin (Bekah) Duran of Athens, AL, and Savanna (Tyler) Cunningham of Northport, AL.  He is also survived by his sister, Linda (Lee) Smith of Maryland; his brother, Al (Faye) McLellan of Pennsylvania; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Mr. Eddie Nails, James and Kay Carr, Jeff and Teresa Oakes, Joyce Anne Woods, Kellie Matthews, and Lisa Winter for going above and beyond in their help with Daddy the past few months.  A BIG thank you to Morgan and Savanna for their EXCELLENT care of their cherished "Papaw"during the last week of his life.