Longtime WSB reporter Don McClellan dies at 88 after Parkinson’s disease battle

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Don McClellan, a WSB-TV legend who became known for his running coverage of the AJC Peachtree Road Race, died Sunday morning.

McClellan’s family said he died peacefully at his home in Smyrna after a years-long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 88.

McClellan was born on Oct. 6, 1931 to parents Lee and Artis McClellan and grew up in the east Tennessee area.

He served in the U.S. Air Force and later graduated from East Tennessee State University. He began his broadcasting career with radio stations in Tennessee and then Georgia.

McClellan joined WSB in 1960 and became a well-respected investigative reporter in metro Atlanta. The Georgia Association of Broadcasters inducted McClellan into the Hall of Fame in 2010.

McClellan worked as a reporter for 55 years before he retired from Channel 2 Action News.

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McClellan had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease later in his life. In an interview with Channel 2 in 2018, McClellan said he wanted to share his health journey to show others you can go on with your life.

As an avid runner, he did not let his disease slow him down. McClellan covered the AJC Peachtree Road Race every year and became known for running with a camera while interviewing runners along the way.

McClellan himself ran over 100 marathons across the country and overseas. Even after his Parkinson’s diagnosis, McClellan found the strength to continue jogging and walking.

McClellan is survived by his wife of 44 years Gisela, son Scott, stepson Chris Nichols and his wife Alexia and four step-grandchildren.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date due to COVID-19.

View his online guest book HERE.

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Cox Media Group