David Alexander McLean

September 5, 1929 - January 29, 2013
David Alexander McLean

Memorial Gifts & Donations




David Alexander McLean, age 83 of Wilmington, NC passed away Tuesday 29th of January 2013.

He was born September 5, 1929 in Scotland County and grew up in Wilmington NC, the son of the late David A McLean and Lola Wright McLean. He was preceded in death by his wife Karen McDonald McLean, a sister Ester Lillian Drake, and a brother Robert McLean.

David is survived by two sisters, Emma Lee Campbell and her son Richard, Irene Lynn and her husband Al ; four children, Daughter Sherry and husband Nathan Johnson, Son David McLean III, Daughter Susan and her husband Michael Satrazemis, Son Christopher McLean and wife Toni, five grandchildren, Shane Bruns and his wife Ginger, Alexis Mclean, Katelyn McLean, McKenzie McLean and Sopia Satrazemis; four great grandchildren, Carissa, Kody, Kolby and Kinlee, a Great Great grandson Hudson and Nieces and Nephews.

He joined the United States Merchant Marines in 1944 at the age of 16 and served his country sailing various types of ships around the world during WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the first Gulf War for almost 50 years. He was drafted and served 3 years in the United States Army during the Korean War and served as a missile silo operator.

He started in the Merchant Marines at the end of WWII at the lowest entry level rating for the National Maritime Union. Through hard work and progressive self-study he became an Officer in the United States Merchant Marines in March of 1961 and sailed the oceans in various capacities from Third Officer to Chief Officer for the International Organization of the Master Mates and Pilots.

From 1963 to 1975 he was elected to various positions in the International Organization of the Master Mates and Pilots and was instrumental in taking it from a divided local organization in the United States to an International Maritime Organization with offices all over the world. He ran for the position of International Secretary of Treasury in 1975 and after completing his term in office he returned to sea.

He finished his career sailing the seas as a ships officer and retired from the seaman’s life and the International Organization of the Master Mates and Pilots in September of 1994. He remained a member until his death.

He was well respected among his peers and left behind a legacy of hard work, knowledge, good seamanship, dedication to his organization and shipmates. He mentored and molded many young sailors including his son and left a standard of professionalism that those young seaman are still trying to attain. He is still talked about on waterfronts around the world.

In his retirement he enjoyed working in his yard, boating, offshore fishing and loved grilling out. He was the consummate host and enjoyed entertaining family and friends in his home. He was a member of the Elks Club, American Legion and the Moose Club.

He was close and very proud of his four children.

The family would like to send a heartfelt thanks to the many caregivers at The Lower Cape Fear Hospice.

A memorial service will be held upstairs at Dock Side Restaurant on Saturday 23rd of February 2013 from 1pm to 4pm.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


Purchase Flowers

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • February 01, 2013
    wanda martin says:
    My thoughts are with u all. David was a sweet man I enjoyed talking and laughing with him. Love wanda(Toni's mom)

  • February 01, 2013
    Mary Ann Hellen says:
    Dear Sue and Chris, I was sorry to hear about your dad's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I was glad that I got to see your dad a few years ago when we came to visit. He is at peace now and can rest. Love you guys! xxoo Mary Ann & family

  • February 01, 2013
    Bobby and Betty Gay says:
    so sorry for your lost

  • February 02, 2013
    Jennifer Beck says:
    You will be missed Big Dave!

  • January 29, 2013
    Bridgette says:
    My heart goes out to my girls first...I have loved Dave from the first time we met and that was awhile ago....Have to say if it were not for us meeting my girls would not be here...My love and heart go to Susie and Chris and their familes... Do Know this is a hard thing to go through....Always know yo will have my support and love because you both and your dad have always given that to me...Sherry My love as always to you and please know I will always be there for you....David my heart felt sympathie sent to you....I do know how much your dad loved you.....Two Peas in a pod....Lucky for you to have that and him you.... Have to say David was great and well See ya in heaven my friend....Tears shead but memories well Lucky me....Bridgette...