Dorothy Ellen McCloud

Dorothy Ellen McCloud went to be with the Lord on June 2, 2025. Dottie, as she like to be called, was born on January 27, 1927, in Knoxville, TN. She was the oldest of two daughters born to Robert Joseph (Joe) Lambdin and his wife Frances. The girls (Dottie and Betty) completed their education through high school in Knoxville. Dottie attended Blue Mountain College in Blue Mountain, Mississippi for one year. She returned to Knoxville and enrolled at the University of Tennessee (UT) in the fall of 1946. She graduated from UT with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. While a student at UT, Dottie met her future husband, Ray McCloud. In 1952, they became engaged and were married in a backyard ceremony on June 10, 1952.

They settled in Fort Worth where Dottie worked for a time until having two children, Russell Lorin (Rusty) and Melissa Erin (Missy). Dottie was a stay-at-home mom until the children were both in high school. She then worked for a time as an Executive Secretary for the Fort Worth ISD. She retired in 1983.

After the birth of their second child, Dottie and Ray joined Connell Baptist Church where they were members for over 50 years. They moved their membership to First Baptist Church of Arlington in 2012, where they were members until their passing.

Dottie is preceded in death by her parents, her sister, and her husband. Surviving are Rusty and his wife Julie, Missy and her husband Mike, 9 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.

Wade Funeral Home in Arlington will handle arrangements and a graveside service will be held for family and close friends at DFW National Cemetery on June 20 at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you purchase a book for your library in honor of Dottie’s love for reading.