Joe Howard McClain

November 21, 1928 - March 13, 2018

Joe Howard McClain, 89, of Stallings, under the loving care of his family and hospice, died peacefully at his home on March 13, 2018. Joe was born in Union County on November 21, 1928, the son of Evan and Annie Sossamon McClain. He grew up in Union County and on January 10, 1947, at the age of 19, married the 14 year old love of his love, Juanita Stogner, whom he met while rollerskating. Together they made a home for their six children and while it wasn’t always easy and the money most abundant, the good Lord provided. They shared their lives with each other for over 71 years together before Joe’s death. Blessed with common sense, mechanical aptitude and the ability to work with his hands, Joe became a mechanic. He worked for Charlotte Ford Tractor Company where not only did he work on Ford tractors, he was the only mechanic in the state of North Carolina who could work on the Ford Select-O-Speed units. Joe was also a mechanic for the motor pool of Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and most recently had worked for Carolina Concrete Products. Joe was famous for working on tractors and as long as he was able to do so, someone always needed a tractor fixed! When not working, Joe loved to fish and race. In the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s he was one of the best dirt track racers around and would win almost every week. He was so good, in fact, that they put a bounty on his head for anyone who could take him out or beat him during a race. In the 80’s and 90’s, with racing still in his blood, he downsized to go cart racing. While no longer a driver, he was the owner and mechanic for the team which consisted of his son and grandsons. On March 13, 2018, he took the checkered flag and won his last race. The trophy is the most amazing one he ever won. But of all things in life, what Joe loved the most was time spent with his family and friends, and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Joe is survived by his wife, Juanita Stogner McClain; his daughters: Sylvia (husband Ralph) Rushing, Vickie (husband Tommy) Collins and Debbie Connell; his sons: Billy Joe (wife Rhonda) McClain and Mike (wife Nancy) McClain; 12 grandchildren: Rodney, Robin, Heather, Beth, Dwayne, Dale, Nicky, Andy, Mica, Brandon, Brandi and Shane; 20 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. Joe is further survived by his church family at Faith Baptist Church of Indian Trail as well as numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Bridget Lynn Darnell; a son, Wilson; and three brothers: JC, Willie and Keith. Joe’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for them. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 15, from 6 to 8 pm at the funeral home, 4715 Margaret Wallace Road. There will also be a visitation on Friday from 1 to 2 pm at Faith Baptist Church. At 2 pm, Pastor Donny Crump Jr. will lead the services honoring the life, love and blessing of this wonderful soul. Following the service, Joe will be taken in procession to his final place of rest at Ritch Cemetery. Please take a moment to share a memory, photo or condolence with the family. Thank you for keeping them in thought, prayer and deed.