Lendal J. McCullar

Lendal passed away peacefully while sleeping on Monday night. He was affectionately known as “Honey Bear”. He was truly a real southern country gentleman-actually opened the door for ladies and with a big smile. Lendal retired from U.S. Steel, Fairfield Works Railroad with 30 years service. He joined the Army and served in the First Calvary in the Korean Conflict and was awarded a Bronze Star. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Jean Hendrix. Lendal is survived by his wife, soul mate and best friend, Elnora (Nora) McCullar. During his first marriage, Lendal was blessed with three children, Linda Faye Mason, Charles Wayne McCullar and David Layne McCullar. He is also survived by two step-sons, Steve Ellis and Scott Ellis. Lendal loved his grand children-Crystal Ellis, Heather Ellis, Kaylynn Ellis, Alec Ellis, Gordon Scott Ellis, Jr., Allie Ellis, Andrew Ellis, Nicholas McCullar and Kim Spitzer. The great grand children were his pride and joy-Nathan England, Cooper Clarke, Christopher John Davis, and Justin Trammel. He is also survived by a Sister, Dorothy Page and a Brother, Carrel McCullar and a host of friends, nieces, nephews, cousins, etc. Most people know the relationship between Lendal and Christopher Davis. Chris was an angel sent to us from Heaven. He and “Paw Paw” spent endless hours at the park, Splash Pad, Fishing, playing ball, etc. Lendal and Nora were Directors of three Clogging Teams-Town & Country Cloggers, Dixie Food Stompers and the Honey Bear Cloggers. They performed throughout the Southeast at Dollywood, Six Flags Over Georgia, Opryland U.S.A., Alabama Adventure, Homestead Hollow and Disney World. His passion was to be with children and adults on these Teams and make sure the music was just right for each performance. The Teams performed every year at the Georgia Mountain State Fair in Hiawassee, Georgia and danced with live music rather than records. The Teen-Age Team, The Dixie Foot Stompers, were the Alabama State Champions in 1989, 1990, and 1991. These Teams also spent many hours entertaining patients at Nursing Homes. He and Nora felt like all these children were their own. They spent many hours at the McCullar home watching tapes and entertaining each other on week-ends. They had a lot of fun and there was no time for drugs or drinking-just good, clean fun. The family will welcome friends Thursday night from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. There will be additional visitation time one hour before the Service. The Funeral Service will be Friday, December 9, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the Chapel of the New Gardendale Funeral Home. Special music will be presented by Mr. George Weeks, Jody Dial and Bryan Knox. Lendal’s favorite, Reverend Mark Harrison, will officiate at the Funeral. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. Will be entombed at the Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Gardens.

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Lendal J. McCullar

September 17, 1929 - December 5, 2016