Hal McClanahan

Hal Hick Hartsell McClanahan, III, age 82, of Columbus, MS passed away on Friday, December 13, 2024 at Baptist Memorial Hospital. He was devoted to his family, law practice and community leaving a legacy of integrity and service. Funeral services will be Monday, December 16, 2024 at 3:00 PM at First Baptist Church, 3000 Bluecutt Road, Columbus, MS, 39705. The interment will immediately follow at Friendship Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be held from 1:30 PM until the time of the service at First Baptist Church. Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Hal was born on March 22, 1942 in Columbus, MS to the late Dr. Hick Hartsell McClanahan and Treceleah Desdemonde (Talbert) McClanahan. He was a 1960 graduate of Lee High School. After graduation he attended University of Mississippito earn an undergraduate degree in English and History. He then enlisted in the United States Army and served as a Green Beret paratrooper in the Special Forces of the Vietnam War. Upon returning, he married former spouse Nancy Eva (Hogarth)McClanhan and had a daughter, Amanda “Mandy” Eva (McClanahan) Pullen. He attended University of MississippiLaw School to earn a Juris Doctor. He opened his solo law practice in 1970 and continued to lead that until the week prior to his passing. He later married, Katharine Eakin McClanahan, whom he enjoyed spending the rest of his life. 

Hal was devoted to serving the community through his law practice, playing tennis at the Magnolia Tennis Club, attending Magowah Gun club gatherings, serving as treasurer of LakeNorris, singing in the First Baptist Church choir, following his daughter’s career at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and staying involved with his son-in-law, James Pullen, and grandsons, Connor and Spencer. 

Hal is survived by his wife, Katharine Eakin McClanahan, daughter, Amanda Eva (McClanahan) Pullen, son-in-law, James Everette Pullen, Jr., grandsons, James Connor Pullen and Spencer Gabriel Pullen, step daughter, Beth Woods Blackledge, her husband, Brett Blackledge, and children, Emma Blackledge, Cecelia Blackledge, and Austin Blackledge, his siblings Dr. Jan Talbert McClanahan and his wife, Tanya Leigh (Graham)McClanahan, Ray Ardell McClanahan and his child, Meghan Ardell McClanahan.

Pall bearers include James Everett Pullen, Jr., James Connor Pullen, Spencer Gabriel Pullen, Robert McClanahan, Joe Van Every, Rufus Harris. Honorary pall bearers include Jan McClanahan, Ray McClanahan, Bob Howland, Joe Gillis, BJ Montgomery, Gary Davis, Carter Dobbs.