Kenneth Davis McClendon, born on February 7, 1977, in Greenwood, South Carolina, was a beloved father and community member. He graduated from Cambridge Academy in 1995 and attended Lander University. McClendon was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and worked as a sales representative for Greenwood Packing Plant.
On May 7, 2023, McClendon was found dead near his damaged BMW at a deserted intersection in Greenwood. Initially suspected to be a hit-and-run, further investigation revealed that William “Bud” Ackerman Jr., the estranged husband of McClendon’s girlfriend, intentionally rammed his Ford F-250 into McClendon’s vehicle, leading to McClendon’s death at the scene.
McClendon’s son, Freddie, channeled his grief into music, writing an album titled “Present Memories” to honor his father’s life. In March 2025, Freddie auditioned for “American Idol,” performing an original song that moved the judges to tears. He expressed his desire to focus on his father’s life rather than the tragic circumstances of his death.
The tragic death of Davis McClendon has been the subject of numerous true-crime podcasts and television segments, including an episode of “48 Hours” titled “The Hit-and-Run Homicide of Davis McClendon.”
McClendon is survived by his parents, James Woodrow and Carie White McClendon, his children, and other family members.
For a deeper understanding of the events surrounding Davis McClendon’s death, you can watch the full “48 Hours” episode below.
