Arnold Roy McLain, Jr.

AIKEN- Arnold Roy McLain, Jr., 80, loving and devoted husband of Gail Williams McLain, died peacefully in his home on September 9, 2023 surrounded by his family.

Roy was born on January 30, 1943 in Chattanooga, TN to Arnold Roy McLain, Sr. and Martha Sue Rawls McLain.  As a native Tennessean, Roy spent his early years in Chattanooga, graduating high school from the Baylor School. He went on to the University of Tennessee where he was an active member and Vice President of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. His work career included positions at Combustion Engineering in Chattanooga, Westinghouse Electric in both Pittsburgh and Jacksonville, and finally the Department of Energy at the Savannah River Site. His work primarily focused on logistics and transportation of large power plant components.

Roy was a faithful member of St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church for over 40 years. He served as head of the Usher Committee, served on three Vestry Boards, and was a Eucharist Minister.  He also volunteered as President of the Outing Club, President of the Cotillion Club, and longtime treasurer of the Historic Aiken Foundation. He was also the Artifacts Chairman for the Aiken Train Museum, where he volunteered much of his free time.  An avid model railroader and railroad enthusiast, Roy photographed a number of railroads in the 1960s. One of his proudest achievements is the inclusion of his photographs in eleven books highlighting historical aspects of several northeastern and southeastern railroads. After his retirement from Savannah River Site in 2008, he enjoyed history classes at USCA and completed an Education for Ministry program in 2009. However, his fondest memories included traveling with his family to New York, Disney World, Edisto Beach, the Grand Canyon, and the North Carolina mountains.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years; daughter, Meredith McLain Griffin (Ryan); and son, David Thornton McLain (Kellie) both of Mt Pleasant, SC; and four loving grandchildren: Sophia Inez McLain, Samuel Thornton McLain, Lucille Davis Griffin, and William McLain Griffin.  

The funeral will be held at St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church, 125 Pendleton Street, SW, Aiken, SC, 29801 on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 2:00 pm with a reception following in the parish hall.  Memorials can be made to St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church (above) or Aiken Train Museum, 406 Park Ave, SE, Aiken, SC, 29801.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC

Roy's online guest book may be signed by visiting www.shellhousefuneralhome.com