Obituary of Ricky A Mclean

Our dear loved one, Ricky Alexander McLean transitioned to his heavenly home Tuesday, March 9, 2021. He was born May 10,1959 to Bobbie Jean Chavis and the late John E. Flowers. Ricky was raised in Maxton, NC under the care of his grandmother, May Frances McLean. It was from her that he learned about life and what it meant to have a strong work ethic. He attended elementary, junior high and high school in Maxton, NC. In high school, Ricky was most remembered as a star athlete and an academic scholar. Along with being a member of numerous clubs and organizations; he excelled in both football and basketball - earning the title of “All Conference” Senior. His love for sports remained throughout his lifetime. Ricky was a proud “Class of ‘83” alum of Winston Salem State University (WSSU), Winston-Salem, NC. In college, Ricky became involved in campus life clubs, activities, and sports. It was there at WSSU where he met and fell in love with Jesus Christ. He became a member of the Youth for Christ Fellowship choir and began his lifelong journey with the Lord. Rick joined the U.S. Air Force in 1987, serving as a Bioenvironmental Engineer. After many medals of achievements, awards, ribbons, and receiving an Outstanding Unit Inspection, Rick retired in 2014 as a Master Sergeant. His experience in the military played an especially important role in his life. He often shared about how his experience taught him the value of discipline and teamwork. He developed many close bonds and created beautiful memories that he regularly shared by way of his theatrically funny stories. McLean began his career as a correctional officer in 1993 with the Mercer County Correctional Center, New Jersey. He served as Union Vice president, advisor and mentor to many, even after retirement. At MCCC, he met and formed a deep brotherhood with his “Brothers in Blue”. Throughout both his military and law enforcement careers, he was held in high regard and gained the utmost respect of many. Whether you knew him as Rick, Ricky, Ofc McLean, “Pretty Ricky”, Uncle Ricky, The Bishop, or Simply Dad, he always exuded wisdom and met you with love and laughter. Ricky was an inspiration to everyone that knew him. His jokes and stories were one of a kind, and his laugh was without a doubt infectious. He was super insightful and always zealous about learning new things. He shared whatever wealth of knowledge he had and was unapologetic about it. He lived his life in abundance, learning from, and enjoying every moment! “Work Hard, Play Hard” was truly the way he lived his life. Ricky was most passionate about his family - and the loves of his life were his children. Being a father was his greatest joy! And all who knew him, knew his ‘girls’ and his ‘son’ were his world. He was preceded in death by his loving daughter Alexis C. McLean, Father, John Flowers, grandmother, May Francis McLean, and Brother, James Flowers. Ricky leaves to cherish his memories- ; his mother, Bobbie Jean Chavis (Bert); wife Althea Thomas- McLean; and to continue his legacy of life - three daughters - Sharmayne McLean, Ashlee McLean, and Nichole Daniels; one son, Nikolas McLean; one Granddaughter, Tyler-Monique McLean.; Six sisters, Martha Flowers, Lillye ”Neise” McLean, Jane Anna Ford (Scott) , Cheri Chavis, Gerry Flowers (Dave), and Mary Flowers- Burke (Earl); Seven brothers, Eddie Chavis, Tony Chavis (Chenae), David McLean, Darryl Chavis, Jon Flowers (Natasha), John Wesley McLean, and Sean Dial (Donna); Comrade Ralph Carthan, and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Relatives, and Friends. To say Ricky McLean will be missed is an understatement. He spread so much love and brought joy to multitudes of people from all walks of life. His radiant smile is one that will be imprinted on our hearts eternally. He lived, laughed and listened passionately. To him, Love was an action word. So, in remembrance of him, may we be as passionate about life as he, and may we learn from him. Take what he shared with you and live it forward, whether it was a laugh, encouraging word, spot of wisdom, or listening ear. Take all those moments, share them with others, and LIVE IT FOWARD. Jeremiah 29:11 states: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.