Ernest E. “Gene” McLendon July 20, 1938 – November 30, 2017               Ernest E. McLendon, 79 of Middleburg, Florida known to most everyone as “Gene” passed away on November 30, 2017.  Gene was a lifelong resident of Clay County.  A simple man, Gene grew up and lived by hard work, a handshake as a promise and his word as an agreement not to be breached.  Gene was a Constable, a Deputy of Clay County and a Master Logger who owned and operated his own business.  Gene loved nothing more than – “being in the woods.”             Gene is survived by his son, Charles Eugene “Chuckie” McLendon; his daughter, Joyce McLendon Durden and her husband, Chris Durden, along with his numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews; one sister – Lolly and one brother – Jack.             The family will greet friends on Sunday afternoon, December 3, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the Broadus-Raines Chapel in Green Cove Springs.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 4, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Black Pond Baptist Church in Middleburg with Reverend Charlie Hunt officiating.  Interment will follow in Black Pond Cemetery.