Robert David McClanahan

Robert David McClanahan, age 73, of Maryville, passed away on March 29, 2021, peacefully, with his family by his side, after suffering complications of Parkinson’s. After graduating from Maryville High School in 1966, Robert earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Maryville College and later earned a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee. Robert’s teaching career spanned 40 years at Maryville High School and Maryville Junior High, where he taught history and geography courses. Robert was the teacher sponsor of the MHS Appalachian yearbook for many years and established the Maryville City Schools' broadcast and communications channel and class. Robert and his family were members of First United Methodist Church for many years, where he served in the church choir and coordinated Wednesday Night Fellowship. In recent years, Robert and Candy became members of Broadway United Methodist Church. Robert enjoyed many creative hobbies, including photography, woodworking, calligraphy, leatherwork, drawing, painting and singing. Robert was the photographer at countless school dances and church functions. Robert was a devoted husband to Candy and Dad to Christie and Leah. He was overjoyed to welcome three grandsons. His family will miss him most for his wise counsel and deep discussions on a myriad of subjects. Robert was preceded in death by parents Ruth and Howard McClanahan, brothers Howard “Sonny” and Michael McClanahan, and beloved aunt and uncles Hazel, Sanford and Paul Jones. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Candace Merritt McClanahan, daughter and grandson Christie McClanahan and Ian Patrick, daughter, son-in-law and grandsons Leah and Chris Flynn, Jack, and Sam. Special thanks to Pam Jones for providing exceptional care over the last 3 years. Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at Grandview Cemetery Pavilion with funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m., with Reverend Ron Fisher officiating. Family and friends will assemble for interment at Grandview Cemetery, following the service. Please wear masks and observe social distancing. Memorial contributions can be made to Brown Food Pantry at Broadway United Methodist Church (309 E. Broadway Ave., Maryville, TN 37804) or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (michaeljfox.org/donate). Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert David McClanahan please visit our Sympathy Store.