Alonzo Mclean

Due to COVID-19, the Governor of North Carolina has asked that all gatherings be limited to no more than 50 people including staff and all attendees such as clergy, ushers, musicians, etc. Please check with the family to see if you are invited.

Walk Thur Viewing Only (not to exceed 10 people at once):
Thursday, May 07
1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Sanders Funeral Home Chapel
806 E Market St
Smithfield, NC 27577

Graveside Service:
This service is private.
Friday, May 08
11:00 AM
Hardy Sanders Cemetery
Smithfield, NC 27577



Alonzo Hardy McLean, Sr. was born on November 6, 1935, in Smithfield, NC to Willis and Eula Mae Saunders McLean.
He graduated from Johnston Central High School (JCTS) in 1954. He resided in Smithfield until he enlisted in the US Air Force in 1957, where he proudly served as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician. On October 13, 1958, Alonzo met and married Lesidia Faye Murphy. Five children were born unto this union: Alonzo, Jr., Barbara, Harold, Stephanie, and Crystal. Together they created a home full of love and laughter. They had many memories together until her sudden departure from this life into the heavenly realm in 1990.
His military career took him around the world and allowed him to experience many different cultures, especially his time served during The Vietnam War. He received the Air Force Meritorious Service Award and proudly served his country until he received an honorable discharge in 1979 where he retired from George Air Force Base, Victorville, California. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion. After his retirement from the Air Force, he went on to work for Dynaelectron (Dyn Corp) Aerospace Technology as an Aircraft Maintenance Site Manager for 27 years. After he retired from Dyn Corp, he spent several years in California, and in 2012 he returned to his roots in North Carolina. He was actively involved with the alumni of his graduating JCTS class of 1954.
Alonzo took great pride in being involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren. And was the proud great-grandfather of 11. He was full of knowledge and was always ready and willing to share it with his kids. Alonzo was a member of Johnston Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Theodore Breeden. He was faithful in his attendance and Sunday mornings could always be seen in his favorite seat. He was always dressed to impress. This earned him the nickname of "Daddy Cool "by his Pastor. In addition to a nice suit and tie, (and let's not forget the shoes), Alonzo had a love of cars.
Alonzo was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, his father, mother, five sisters, and two brothers.
He leaves to cherish his memory, five Children: Alonzo McLean, Jr., of Van Alstyne, TX, Barbara Cromartie formerly of Glendale, AZ, Harold (Tonya) McLean of Suffolk, VA, Stephanie (Angelo) Williams of Phoenix, AZ, and Crystal (Bernard) Radcliff of Shreveport, LA. Seven grandchildren: Lakeisha Gooding, Yolanda Stanback, LaTonia Sakata, Michelle Parkmon, Marquis McLean, Kendrick McLean, Dondr'e McLean, and eleven great-grandchildren: Jaylen, Kamron, Bryson, Trenton, Riley, Raj, Roland, Curtis, Lanee, Jayden, and Amaya. Alonzo also leaves behind of host of nieces and nephews and many lifelong friends.
His faithfulness to God, his family, and his friends will never be forgotten.