Brief info
Roy A. McLendon Sr. was born in Pelham, Georgia in 1932. At the age of fifteen, he made the move to South Florida and eventually settled in Gifford.
In his 20's, while working in the groves, McLendon had the opportunity to meet his new neighbor, Harold Newton. McLendon would often observe Harold painting in his yard across from him. Inspired by Harold's work, McLendon decided to pick up painting himself.
He started out very purposeful, and has remained so throughout his entire career. He did his own selling on the road, and would only go out on a sales trip after painting a handful of good paintings. He rarely sold anything rushed, which is likely why there are very few poorly done paintings done by Mclendon.
As one of the founding members of the Florida Highwaymen, McLendon played a pivotal role in nurturing younger talents within the group. While maintaining close friendships with fellow artists such as Alfred Hair and James Gibson, his strongest bonds were forged with Harold Newton, Livingston Roberts, and Mary Ann Carroll.
In March of 2024, Roy McLendon Sr. passed away, leaving behind a legacy of artistic excellence and community impact. His contributions to the Florida Highwaymen's legacy are celebrated not only for his remarkable talent but also for his generosity in supporting emerging artists. McLendon's memory will endure as a testament to his remarkable kindness and his unparalleled skill as an original Florida Highwaymen artist.
