Captain Parker Wilkinson McClellan (USN-RET), born on April 1, 1932 in Neptune, New Jersey. Buck, as he was known to most, died of cancer on May 4, 2008 at his residence in Dowell, Maryland.

He attended Rumson Country Day School, Admiral Ballard Academy, United States Naval Academy (Class of 1954), United States Naval Post Graduate School, and United States Army War College. He retired in 1984.

Buck's life was defined by service – to our nation, his family and community. His naval career is best described as ship to shore, serving numerous ships and shore stations around the world including Commanding Officer USS Excel, Commanding Officer Naval Station New York and Chief of Staff Commander Naval Base Philadelphia. His decorations included; Legion of Merit, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Following his retirement, he and his wife Kay continued their adventures by moving onboard their trawler, traveling wherever currents took them, and coming ashore in Florida, where he became a successful yacht broker.

They returned to the northeast and settled in Solomons, MD, where he became involved with numerous community activities including the Calvert Maritime Museum, receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award in 1994. He was active in the Episcopal Church at Middleham and St. Peter's Parish, serving on the vestry, and volunteered at SMILE, being credited with the development of the "Buck Mobile."

Buck was an avid boater. He felt most at home on the water, whether at the helm of his fleet of R/C model boats or going after the big catch on the Chesapeake Bay with his friends. Model boating became his passion: He took great pride in his contributions to the success of the Solomons Island Model Boat Club and served as its Commodore. He served the Solomons Island maritime community through his efforts at the Solomons Island Yacht Club as Treasurer.

Buck's pride and joy was his family. He is survived by Kay, his loving wife of 48 years; two children, Parker, Jr. and Bobbie Stodter; 4 grandchildren, Travis, Charlie, Wesley and Kady; and sister Barbara Farley.

His life will be celebrated at a memorial service at St. Peter's Chapel on Solomon's Island at 10:00 am on May 8, 2008. The committal service will be at the United States Naval Academy Columbarium at 9:00 am on June 9, 2008.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the USO at USO.ORG or Calvert Hospice at Post Office Box 838, Prince Frederick, Maryland 20678 in memory of Parker W. McClellan.

Arrangements provided by Rausch Funeral Home.