Celebrating the life of
Rev. Ernest G. Clary, Jr.
April 02, 1926 - August 24, 2013
Rev. Ernest G. Clary, Jr.
Gil Clary, 87, died at Hospice Savannah, Inc. on Saturday, August 24, 2013. Gil was born in Columbia, SC, son of the Rev. Ernest G. Clary, Sr. and Annie Marks Clary. Much of his childhood was spent on the campus of Berry College in Rome, GA where his father served as chaplain and Bible professor. While there, Gil attended Possum Trot Elementary School.
Gil served in the Navy in 1944-1946. He was a signalman aboard the U.S.S. Doyen in the Pacific and enjoyed his time aboard ship. He returned to college, graduating in 1948 with a B.A. degree and a commission as second lieutenant in the Army.
Gil graduated from Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC and Columbia Seminary in Atlanta, GA. He also earned a Master's degree in counseling from the University of Georgia. Retired in 1989, Gil served churches at Bunn Level, NC, Spartanburg, SC, Lithonia Presbyterian Church in Lithonia, GA and Bryan Neck Presbyterian Church in Keller. GA.
Gil worked as a counselor in the Voc. Rehab Program, doing work with several branches of that agency. He also taught religion classes for several years at St. Leo's College in Savannah.
Gil was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Jacqueline deLaRue Clary.
Surviving include his wife, Julia; children: E. Gil Clary, III and wife, Karen; David S. Clary and wife Barb; LaRue C. Gerard and husband Ben. Step-children are: Jan Lanier Michael; Wes Lanier Wendy; and Greg Lanier Rachel. Grandchildren are: Jacqueline and Noel Clary; Chris and Patrick Gerard; Sydney and Whitney Lanier. Also niece Denise deLaRue.
The family wishes to include mention of Gil's lifelong friend, Col. Walter Johnson, caretaker Rochelle Jackson and the compassionate staff at Hospice Savannah, Inc., St. Joseph's Hospital and Bryan County Health and Rehab Center in Richmond Hill, GA.
A celebration of Gil's life will be held at historic Bryan Neck Church in Keller, GA on September 7, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. Dr. Stephen Williams and Rev. Will Shelburne will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, any memorials may be made to Bryan Neck Preservation Fund, C/O Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church, 12965 Georgia Highway 144, Richmond Hill, GA 31324 or the charity of your choice.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
To the entire Clary family, our condolences on Gils passing. A very nice man whom we all enjoyed.
- Case and Mary Biezenbos, Slidell, LA
Our deepest condolences goes to the Clary family. It's never easy to lose a loved one in death. Psalms 90:10 says: 'In themselves the days of our years are seventy years; And if because of special mightiness they are eighty years'. Amazing! Cherish the years you spent together. May the God of comfort continue to be with you during this difficult time.
- The Newkirk family, Savannah, GA
LaRue, praying for you and your family during this time. Love you
- Harriet Johnson, Pace, FL
Thinking about you and remembering the happy times in Spartanburg, Martha and Wendell
- Wendell & Martha, Spartanburg, SC
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Gil. Our condolences to you and your family at this time.
- Dempsey and Evelyn Saussy Logue, Savannah, GA
Larue and family, You are in out thoughts and prayers. May God grant you peace and special comfort during this time. We are so sorry for your loss.
- Barry and Doris Crowell, Lilburn, GA
Gil officiated at our daughter's wedding! I on ly wish that I could be as good a man as Gil!
- Sheridan & Jane Denny, Savannah, GA
Julia, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Del and Sue Turner
- Del and Sue Turner, Richmond Hill, GA
Have happy memories of Gil when we were children. Our love to Julia and the rest of the family.
- Robert and Nancy Dendy, Laurinburg, NC
Goodbye old friend, we will really miss you. You were my closest friend for more than 80 years' Walter Johnson Jr. and Family
- Walter A Johnson Jr, Honolulu, HI
The Rev. Clary was my first minister and the dad of my best friend while 'growing up.' I have very fond memories of him and the whole family. The Clary home was also one of my neighborhood homes, and the Rev. Clary was always most warm and welcoming.
- Wren Barnett, Saluda, NC
Condolences to the family.
- Barbara H. McCoy, Savannah, GA
Dear Julia and family, I am so sorry to hear of Gil's passing. I know you will miss him terribly but rest with the peace that He is in heaven now - cracking jokes and bringing more joy into heaven than was previously there. I just know that God has greeted Gil with open arms and has said - 'well done good and faithful servant'. Gil was quite a wonderful man and fabulous co-worker. He brought many laughs to our office. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to work with him. I will keep you and your family in my prayers as you go through this difficult time. God bless you all now and always. Sincerely, Virginia Love retired DRS/VR,Savannah
- Virginia Love, Savannah, GA
Gil and I shared an office for several years. I was his secretary at Voc. Rehab and he married Gary and me 30 years ago in 1983. He was a positive force in many lives both as a voc rehab counselor and a minister. He was a dear person and lots of fun. Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. God Bless your entire family.
- KATHIE W. BARTON, Twin City, GA
To the entire Clary family, our condolences on Gils passing. A very nice man whom we all enjoyed.
- Case and Mary Biezenbos, Slidell, LA
Our deepest condolences goes to the Clary family. It's never easy to lose a loved one in death. Psalms 90:10 says: 'In themselves the days of our years are seventy years; And if because of special mightiness they are eighty years'. Amazing! Cherish the years you spent together. May the God of comfort continue to be with you during this difficult time.
- The Newkirk family, Savannah, GA
LaRue, praying for you and your family during this time. Love you
- Harriet Johnson, Pace, FL
Thinking about you and remembering the happy times in Spartanburg, Martha and Wendell
- Wendell & Martha, Spartanburg, SC
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Gil. Our condolences to you and your family at this time.
- Dempsey and Evelyn Saussy Logue, Savannah, GA
Larue and family, You are in out thoughts and prayers. May God grant you peace and special comfort during this time. We are so sorry for your loss.
- Barry and Doris Crowell, Lilburn, GA
Gil officiated at our daughter's wedding! I on ly wish that I could be as good a man as Gil!
- Sheridan & Jane Denny, Savannah, GA
Julia, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Del and Sue Turner
- Del and Sue Turner, Richmond Hill, GA
Have happy memories of Gil when we were children. Our love to Julia and the rest of the family.
- Robert and Nancy Dendy, Laurinburg, NC
Goodbye old friend, we will really miss you. You were my closest friend for more than 80 years' Walter Johnson Jr. and Family
- Walter A Johnson Jr, Honolulu, HI
The Rev. Clary was my first minister and the dad of my best friend while 'growing up.' I have very fond memories of him and the whole family. The Clary home was also one of my neighborhood homes, and the Rev. Clary was always most warm and welcoming.
- Wren Barnett, Saluda, NC
Condolences to the family.
- Barbara H. McCoy, Savannah, GA
Dear Julia and family, I am so sorry to hear of Gil's passing. I know you will miss him terribly but rest with the peace that He is in heaven now - cracking jokes and bringing more joy into heaven than was previously there. I just know that God has greeted Gil with open arms and has said - 'well done good and faithful servant'. Gil was quite a wonderful man and fabulous co-worker. He brought many laughs to our office. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to work with him. I will keep you and your family in my prayers as you go through this difficult time. God bless you all now and always. Sincerely, Virginia Love retired DRS/VR,Savannah
- Virginia Love, Savannah, GA
Gil and I shared an office for several years. I was his secretary at Voc. Rehab and he married Gary and me 30 years ago in 1983. He was a positive force in many lives both as a voc rehab counselor and a minister. He was a dear person and lots of fun. Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. God Bless your entire family.
- KATHIE W. BARTON, Twin City, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
