Dallas McClain Original Obituary

Dallas Ray McClain was a miraculous light as soon as he entered the world, spreading his joy and zest for life to all he encountered. He was born in Greensboro NC on July 29th 1957 to loving parents Ruth Styers McClain and Raymond McClain. He grew up with his older nurturing sisters, Jackie McClain Lockerman, and Barabra McClain Emery. As a child he was always on the move from one project, job, (or shenanigans with his nieces and nephew) to another, walking the fine line between trouble and humor.

His unwavering curiosity led him to continually immersing himself in the most interesting of trades. Dallas’ knowledge was always humbly shared to anyone he came across. He was a master craftsman, founding the ‘Do It Right Construction’ Company, crafting everything from fences and home remodels, to custom building his own 4 story house nestled in the Carolina country foothills. He was an adept computer coder, writing code systems to power everything from original websites, to developing software for organizations like the DMV. Dallas worked in hospitals, upholstered vehicles, engraved works of art, dabbled in photography, and always had a new business project on his hands.

Perhaps his most impactful career began in the mid-2000s, when he jumped into the world of Bail bonding. Starting as a bail apprentice, agent and bounty hunter, his determination and relentless efforts led him to establish his own surety company, Canon, and his own Pre-licensing and Continuing Education School, NC Bail Academy - a highly successful business that challenged the bonding education monopoly of North Carolina. His success came from his selfless dedication to serving all of those across the industry no matter the time, place, or circumstances. Dallas would never turn anyone away – he only thought about others, that’s just who he was. Any bondsman in the state would tell you that Dallas completely revolutionized the Bail Bonding industry by putting more power back into the hands of the everyday bonding agents. While Dallas was involved in many various elements of the Bonding realm, he was always ready to ‘chase a skip’. It’s clear that Dallas’ philosophy and principles will be referenced and used as foundational guidelines for the future of Bail Bonding.

As committed as he was to his career, Dallas was even more devoted to his family. He enjoyed watching classic westerns with his children and traveling with them to historical sites such as Gettysburg, New Orleans, Saint Augustine, Burgos (Spain) and many more. Dallas was the most active father, creatively participating in school projects that always stole the show. His innovative pranks and jokes shed light on his grand sense of humor. Dallas always loved the outdoors, camping, and being with nature. This passion led him to share this same appreciation with his children by joining the Boy Scouts and eventually becoming Scoutmaster, helping many young boys develop important life skills, growing in rank and virtue. He also welcomed his daughter alongside him during these scouting ventures.

Dallas was a pure giver - philanthropy came natural to him. Not only did he contribute financially to many worthy causes, charitable organizations and individuals, he also selflessly donated his time and skillset to the local Food Bank in Reidsville North Carolina, helping many families and community members in need.

Dallas is predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Ruth McClain, and his sister Barbara McClain. He is survived by his sister Jackie Lockerman, his son Dallas Gates McClain and wife Viviana, his daughter Margot Lanier McClain and husband Zach, embraced daughter Mary Oney, grandchildren Cristiano, Nancy, Mariana, Lucas, Waylon, and Santiago, nephew Mike Hicks, and nieces Karen Day, Kris Wright, and Dawn Kennedy. Dallas is also survived by countless close friends he considered family.