On Sunday, July 19, 2026, Kenneth McClinton Sr. entered into eternal rest after a lengthy but courageous health journey. Though his earthly journey has ended, his legacy of love, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Affectionately known as Kenny, Ken, Mac, and Slim, Kenneth was born on December 29, 1950, in Chester, South Carolina, to the late Eldora Graham and Odel Laney.

Kenneth was educated in the Chester County School System and attended Finley High School. Although he did not complete high school, he made the selfless decision to help support his younger siblings, demonstrating the caring spirit that defined his life. He later earned his GED in Baltimore, Maryland.

In 1969, Kenneth relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, where he began working for Cat Paw Shoe Company. He later embarked on a long and distinguished career with Baltimore City Public Schools, faithfully serving for 35 years. Throughout his career, he worked in several schools, but he especially cherished his time at Lake Clifton. Kenneth also dedicated 18 years to Morgan State University and six years to Baltimore County Public Schools before retiring. Even in retirement, he remained active, finding joy in working part-time with Caesars Entertainment at Horseshoe Casino. He was also the proud owner and operator of American Maintenance Co. & Lawn Service, serving his community with dedication and pride.

On September 22, 1979, Kenneth married Joann McClinton. Together, they shared many years of companionship, faith, and family, remaining devoted to one another and enjoying life's moments together.

Kenneth was baptized at Apostle True Foundation under the leadership of Bishop Verleen Doughty. He later joined Ray of Hope Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as an usher. In 2003, he transferred his membership to Ark Church, where he volunteered his time helping maintain the church grounds whenever needed.

Kenneth was a loyal Baltimore Ravens fan and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his favorite team. He was also a lifelong Baltimore Orioles fan, and some of his fondest memories were of watching Orioles games with his mother. Kenneth loved following the sport of boxing, and in his younger years, he enjoyed a good sparring match. He also loved spending days fishing with friends and enjoyed trying his luck at the casino. One of his greatest joys was caring for the many neighborhood cats he affectionately named Eldora, Fluffy, Mama, and Isabel, as well as his beloved dogs, Lady, Blackie and Roxy.

Kenneth had a generous heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand, often placing the needs of others before his own. He was the life of every gathering, loved to laugh, loved to celebrate, and brought warmth wherever he went. Above all else, Kenneth was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose greatest pride was his family.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his sons, Kenneth "Dean" and James "Sammy"; his grandson, Dontae; his brothers, Melvin Sr., Earl Sr. and Otis; and his sister, Harriet "Lu-Lu."

He leaves to cherish his precious memory his wife, Joann; his daughter, Kimberly; his son, Jermaine "Bonk"; his grandchildren, Kneisha (Sheyna), Ayomipo, Daman’ta, Myk’yra, Tyonna, Kameron, Taja’, Deja, Miles, Logan, Jalone, and Jaylan; his great-grandchildren, Dai’honor, K’honar, Knowledge, Amazing, Moment, Peyton, Dallas, and Camilla-Ruth; his brothers, Donald, Mitchell Sr. (Tanya), Michael, and LeVarn; his sisters, Patricia (Glendall) and Sheila; his godson, Keene; and his barber, Michael Cheeks; along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were touched by his kindness and love.