Johnny L. McClellan

Johnny Lynn McClellan, known to his family and friends as John, 71, of Kingsport, passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

John was a United States Army veteran, a loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, brother, and a steady presence in the lives of the people who knew and loved him.

He was a caring and dependable man who showed his love through the way he lived and treated others. John believed in being there when someone needed help, offering thoughtful advice when it mattered, and taking care of the people he loved. He was intelligent, practical, independent, and deeply devoted to his family.

John was a humble man who never sought recognition for the things he did for others. He valued honesty, common sense, kindness, and treating people with respect. Those who knew him well understood the depth of his compassion and the thoughtfulness he brought to life.

Music was an important part of John’s life. He loved playing the piano and electric piano, and his family will always remember hearing him play and sing songs by Billy Joel, Elton John, the Doobie Brothers, and other artists he enjoyed. Those moments became part of the soundtrack of family life and will remain cherished memories.

John also loved meaningful conversation. He could talk about music one moment and move naturally into science, medicine, philosophy, or spirituality the next. He was thoughtful and curious about life and the world around him, and he enjoyed sharing ideas and perspectives with the people closest to him. For his family, many of those conversations became memories that will remain with them for years to come.

For more than three decades, John was an important and deeply loved part of a large and blended family. He loved his family deeply and was someone they knew they could turn to for help, guidance, encouragement, or simply a good conversation. His presence in their lives was steady and genuine, and the love he gave was shown in countless everyday ways over the years.

John will be remembered with great love for his intelligence, kindness, humility, independence, musical spirit, thoughtful nature, and the unique presence he brought into the lives of those around him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Pearl McClellan; and two brothers, Omer and Brad Dennison.

He is survived by his wife, Hong Van Taylor; sons, David McClellan and Joe McClellan; and stepchildren, Steven Taylor, Billy Taylor, David Taylor, and Linda Taylor; grandson, Jacob McClellan; step-grandchildren, Peyton, Preston, Colton, Eli, Hallie Pennington, Haley Jade, Ashton, and James; sister, Kathy McClellan; half-sister, Patricia Templeton; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Mountain Home National Cemetery with Military Honors by Boone Dam - VFW Post 4933.