Ronald E. McClellan, Sr. was born on March 5, 1952 to the union of George E. McClellan and Laura L. McClellan. He is is preceded in death by both his parents. His brothers George H. McClellan and Kevin A. McClellan also preceded him in death.

Ronald attended East St. Louis Senior High School Class of 1970 where he played the tenor saxophone and clarinet in the marching and concert bands. Ronald expressed his love for funk and jazz music and honed his talent while playing with the profound performing arts cadre The Young Disciples Music Group. Ronald AKA Hollywood excelled as an all around athlete in track and field at Rock Junior High School then at East Side as an IHSA State Championship Silver-Medalist for pole-vaulting, earning a track and field scholarship to SIUE.

Ronald was wed to Deborah McClellan. To their union two children were born, Ronald Jr. and Kimberly.

Ronald , possessed an unparalleled work ethic demonstrated by his hard work during high school while working at Stouffer's Top of the Riverfront as a bus boy. He then enrolled at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where he studied and received his Bachelor of Arts with a specialization in Urban Planning while simultaneously working at Granite City Steel and interning with East West Gateway Council. Following his internship, he was employed at the Alton Box Board/Jefferson Smurfit where he worked many positions including Foreman until he retired in 1998 with 27 years or service. Unable to sit still, he then began working with Bi-State Transit/Metro as a security officer until he was able to continue working.

Ronald is survived by his two children: Ronald (Nikkole) McClellan and Kimberly (Eugene) McClellan-Luster. He also leaves to cherish his memory ten grandchildren: Jennifer (Adrian) Cox, Praither Williams Jr., Fabian Luster, Seth Luster, Allen Williams, Ryan Luster, Quincy McClellan, Jordan Luster, Kayla McClellan, Erin Luster, Scarlett Cox, one great- grandson, Yanis Sanders; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.