Emeritus missionary C.W. McClelland dies at 70

LAKELAND, Fla. — Charles W. McClelland, an emeritus Southern Baptist missionary to Zimbabwe and South Africa and former Alabama Baptist, died July 31. He was 70.

A native of Eaton Park, Fla., McClelland and his wife, Vertie Pitts, were appointed by the International Mission Board in 1969.

He served as an evangelist in Umtali, Zimbabwe, until 1979, when he transferred to Bophuthatswana to work as a church developer. In 1988, he transferred to South Africa, where he directed Theological Education by Extension in several parts of the country.

McClelland graduated from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to missionary appointment, he served as pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Bon Secour (Ala.), Baldwin Association. He is survived by his wife, two sons, three daughters and 15 grandchildren.