Memorials Set For Jack "Cy" McClairen

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The family of Jack "Cy" McClairen has announced memorial plans for the Bethune-Cookman University athletic legend, including an opportunity for well-wishers to pay tribute to the former Wildcat star athlete, coach and athletic director who passed away last week at the age of 89.

In honor of the many friends, colleagues and former student-athletes who were touched by Coach McClairen during his great career, and to offer the community an opportunity to show the support for the man who lived and worked here since 1961, a public viewing will be held on Thursday, January 7th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Chapel at Herbert Thompson Funeral Home, 901 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard in Daytona Beach [Click here for maps and phone] . All relevant social distancing and CDC guidelines will be enforced during this time.

Due to COVID 19 restrictions, McClairen's Celebration of Life will be a graveside ceremony on Friday, January 8, 2021 at 1 p.m. at Daytona Memorial Park, 1425 Bellevue Ave. Daytona Beach [Click here for maps and phone]. Plans are being made to record the service for delayed broadcast on the CatEye Network.

The family is encouraging those who wish to do so make a two-minute cellphone video discussing McClairen's impact and e-mail it to Kenneth2375@gmail.com by midnight on January 7th. The tributes will be consolidated into a presentation that will appear on Bethune-Cookman University online media platforms.

"Jack McClairen touched so many lives during his tenure at Bethune-Cookman," said his daughter, Robin McClairen. "Coach Cy was about making students `the best they can be" and he made a difference in a lot of lives. We are looking forward to seeing all the wonderful stories that will be shared."

In honor of the career and life of this Wildcat icon, the family will continue to keep his legacy alive through the Jack "Cy" McClairen Scholarship at B-CU. It is their request that in lieu of cards and flowers, donations be made to the Jack "Cy" McClairen Scholarship Fund at Bethune-Cookman University in order to support the educational pursuits of the students Cy dedicated his life to serving.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent the Jack "Cy" McClairen Scholarship Fund at Bethune-Cookman University, Attention: Office of Institutional Advancement, 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. Please be sure to notate the scholarship on the memo line or click here to donate online.

Herbert Thompson Funeral Home in Daytona Beach is handling arrangements.