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March 28, 2024

Rev. James Newton “Babe” McLain

Rev. James Newton “Babe” McLain

Rev. James Newton “Babe” McLain

Rev. James Newton “Babe” McLain, 86, of Statesville, passed away Saturday, October 22, 2016, at Iredell Memorial Hospital, Statesville.

Babe was born April 14, 1930, in Alexander County, son of the late, William Durant McLain and Pearl Munday McLain.

Babe was employed with Thomas & Howard Wholesale Distribution, Broyhill Furniture, and was Pastor of Friendly Chapel Baptist Church for 25 years. He was of the Baptist faith and a faithful servant of the Lord. Babe was a member of Fairview Baptist Church.

He honorably served his country in the Army, during the Korean War, from September 1951 until discharged in June 1953. He came out with the rank of Sergeant and was rewarded “The Commendation Medal” for meritorious service.

Babe was a member of VFW Post 10,000 of Alexander County. He also served on the Central Volunteer Fire Department and was their chaplain.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ruby Sloan McLain; and seven brothers, Tom, Roscoe and Ray Russell, and Jack, Lee, Johnie and Bill McLain; and six sisters, Elizabeth Meadows, Elva Bunton, Kate Bunton, Ellen McLain, Mildred McLain, and Lessie Marlowe.

Babe is survived by his son, Tom McLain and wife Angela of Mt. Holly; a daughter, Terry McLain Steelman and husband Russell of Wake Forest; a brother, Edd McLain and wife Ruth of Hiddenite; four grandchildren, Erica and Wade McLain of Mt. Holly, Craig Steelman and wife Jennah of Greensboro, and Carol Steelman of Winston-Salem; and three great-grandchildren, Audrey, Sam and Henry Steelman of Greensboro.

Funeral services were conducted Sunday, October 23, 2016, at Fairview Baptist Church, Hiddenite. Rev. Ray Raymer and Rev. Durant Barr officiated. Burial was in the Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Fairview Baptist Church, 41 Center Church Road, Hiddenite, NC 28636.

Condolences may be emailed to the McLain Family by visiting our website at www.chapmanfuneralhome.com.

Chapman Funeral Home assisted the family of Rev. James Newton “Babe” McLain.

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