Ernest McLean, III of Winston-Salem, North Carolina took his first breath on March 9, 1951 in Sanford, North Carolina and his last breath on October 26, 2023 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was the son of the late Ernest McLean, II and Madgaline "Hannah" McLean. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael McLean Othman of New Jersey.

Ernest became a member of Browns Memorial Baptist Church, Maryland in the late 90's and he also did work in the church while he lived in Maryland.

Ernest decided in December 1968 he would enter into the military by joining the United States Marines Corp where he worked as a Motor Vehicle Operator – Truck Driver. He was awarded the following medals for his service: The National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

His military education/ training while serving in the Marines was MCI- Washington, D.C. – Tactics of Marine Rifle Sqd and MCSSS, MCB, CamLeJ – MtrVehOprCrs. He received his GED some years later after leaving the military.

After being honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corp. Ernest worked for a local trucking company as a truck driver in the state of Rhode Island. He also worked doing various carpentry and painting jobs before working for various Housing Authorities in Rhode Island and Maryland as a maintenance worker before being medically retired in 2018.

He is survived by his siblings, Sammy Graham (Darlene) of Maryland, Dora Hamilton of North Carolina, James "Pumpkin" McLean of Mexico, Joseph McLean (Sabrina) of Georgia, Anita McLean (Dennis Toles) of Virginia, Delores "Dee" McLean Othman of New York, and Ernestine McLean Othman of New Jersey; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great- great nieces and nephews; two aunts, Betty Lorraine Graham (Lucius) and Pearlie Ware (Johnny) both of North Carolina; and a host of cousins and friends.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00am Thursday, November 9, 2023 in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC.