Carl Eugene McClanahan

Carl Eugene McClanahan, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 7th, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on February 11th, 1947, in Charleston, West Virginia, Carl made a remarkable impact on all who knew him. A long-time resident of the Savannah area after retiring from a 20-year career in the Army, he was known for his devotion to family, enjoying time in the sky or on the lake, and making great memories with family and friends.

Carl was a proud graduate of East Bank High School in Chesapeake, West Virginia, class of 1964. He furthered his education at Marshall University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1968. Following his graduation, he commissioned into the US Army. His military career was spent in the branches of Field Artillery and Aviation, and earned him a Ranger Tab, Master Aviator Wings, dear friends, and amazing memories.

After his military service, Carl had a successful second career in aviation, as a Chief Pilot and Director of Training for Executive Jet Management and later as a Chief Pilot in Gulf Streams for Net Jets. He loved seeing the world, landing in many locations on six of the seven continents and finally retired from flying in 2014.

Aside from his professional achievements, Carl found immense joy in spending time with his family and friends. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 58 years, Barbara Robinson McClanahan, of Pooler, Georgia, and a cherished father to his children, Terri Quirk and her husband Richard, (currently serving in the US Army in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), and Clint McClanahan and his wife Jessica (stationed with the US Navy in Hawaii). . Carl also leaves behind a legacy of love with his grandchildren, Dominic Quirk, Emma Quirk and her wife Ali Soika, Chloe Quirk, Ewan McClanahan, Sara McClanahan, and Caroline McClanahan, in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Carl never missed an opportunity to be there for his family and on many occassions drove eight hours or caught a transatlantic flight to babysit for a date night or attend a sporting event or school performance for his grandchildren. All of his grandchildren have treasured memories of learning important skills through him whether diving, driving, waterskiing, assembling legos to new furniture, manning the waffle iron or barbecue grill, loading a car, and paying taxes. He was the best example of the gift of time and unconditional love.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Collett McClanahan and Margaret Imogene Connard McClanahan, and his brother, Terry McClanahan. He is survived by his brothers, Jerry McClanahan and his wife Rose of Texas, and Roy McClanahan and his wife Jennifer of West Virginia, and his sisters, Ketti McClanahan and her partner Tammie Hallmark, and Beverly McClanahan, all of Texas.

Carl will be buried with military honors at Beaufort National Cemetary in South Carolina, on September 12, 2025 at 2:00 pm.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Baker McCullough Funeral Home Hodgson Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made in Carl’s name to Hospice Savannah at PO Box 13190, Savannah, Georgia 31416; hospicesavannah.org.

Carl’s memory will continue to soar in the hearts of all who loved him.