Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/921986
44 rushed to the office to help with restoration efforts. He later learned Ellen was unharmed, although she remained in the building praying with a student who was trapped and badly injured. "I was really proud of the company because an incredible amount of help was sent to Enterprise," McLean said. McLean was Alabama Power's liaison with community leaders and governmental officials. As a founding member of the Friends of Fort Rucker, he was involved in efforts to buy the base's electrical facilities, which previously were operated by the Department of Defense. McLean was chairman of the Enterprise and Daleville Chambers of Commerce and treasurer of the Eufaula Chamber. He served on the boards of economic development, civic and charitable organizations. Wayne Shadell was raising three young children when he worked for McLean. Shadell appreciated the support he and his family received from McLean during those years. "John was more than a boss. He was a friend," said Shadell, materials coordinator, Eufaula Union Street Crew Headquarters. "He understood that although this place is important, there's a bigger picture. He understood that sometimes you have to be off to take care of your family to be a beer employee at work. I have the utmost respect for John." "John was a dadgum straight-up, honest fellow you could count on," said Phenix City Manager David Quinney, who has known McLean since joining the company in 1980. "I always trusted John. We didn't always agree, but you always knew where you stood." Post-Alabama Power In his retirement, McLean plans to spend more time tending to his 120 acres of pine trees in Clio, the town near Enterprise where he was raised. He is also looking forward to having time to practice skeet and clay shooting and play golf. In October, McLean and his wife took their second mission trip with members of Hillcrest Baptist to Northeastern Baptist College in Bennington, Vermont. McLean painted several rooms in the college library, while Ellen catalogued books. The couple plans to return in March to continue work at the college. "I hope I have been a fair manager to the people who have worked for me," McLean said. "I hope my employees have seen in me a good work ethic and a loyalty to the company that has been so good to me." McLean worked in the community as chairman of the Enterprise and Dadeville chambers.