LITTLE Rock, SC – “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they sall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Hector McLain was one of ten children from the union of the late Jim McLain and Lillie Breeden McLain. He was born on June 15, 1916 in Robeson County, NC and his passing marks the end of his generation of McLain’s. Hector McLain attended the public schools of Dillon County. He was a faithful member of McCoy Chapel United Methodist Church. From an early age. He served in many capacities; he was Church Sexton, Trustee, and treasurer of the United Methodist Men. He was a dedicated member of Morning Glory Lodge #354. For many years he was a model farmer, growing some of the best flue cured tobacco in South Carolina. In his later years, he was employed by South of the Border until his retirement in 1986.One of the duties that he held in high esteem was the ringing of the Church Bell. The ring of the well was a way of communicating throughout the Little Rock Community; it told of a recent birth, death, funeral, celebration, call to actions, i.e. fire, danger, etc. Prior to his passing he was the oldest living member of the church. Hewas a pillar of the community who gave unselfishly to his fellowmen. He was humble man that led by example, serving as a role model for his family and the community at large. He was look upon as a surrogate father by many who he befriended through family ties. He was honored many times by family, friends, and church for being a good steward of the Little Rock Community.

He leaves to cherish his legacy, a loving wife of sixty-six years, Venalla Allen-McLain. To this union were fourteen children: Horace (Juanita), Bronx, NY, Delphina, Brooklyn, NY; Elreta (Henry), Brooklyn, NY; James (Linda), North, SC; Harold (Carolyn) Santee, SC; Leonard (Sheila) Pennsylvania; Shernell (died as an infant), Wanda, Little Rock, SC; Caesar (died as an infant); Ben Hector Jr., Little Rock, SC; Billy (Arnetha), Fountian Inn, SC; Denise (Von), of Hamer, SC; Thomas, Little Rock, SC, and Sherry (John), of Dillon, SC. This union also gave rise to thirty-nine grand children and twenty-seven great grand children.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 7th at 2:00 p.m. at McCoy’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Little Rock, SC. Masons will perform a Final Rites Ceremony on Friday, February 6th at McCoy Chapel from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The family will receive visitors during this time. Friends and visitors may call on the family at 2302 Federal Street, in Little Rock, SC 774-9832.

Shipman Funeral Home of Latta, SC is in charge of the services. For more information call (843)752-5131 or (843)752-5478.