L. McClary Obituary

L. Claude McClary SALTERS, SC - Louie Claude McClary, 90, husband of Esther Newman McClary, died peacefully at his home Sunday, January 20, 2013. Funeral services will be 2 PM Tuesday January 22, 2013, in Kingstree United Methodist Church, with burial in Williamsburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5 to 7 PM Monday at Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree. He was born November 14, 1922, at home in Williamsburg County to the late Louie Brown McClary and Marie McCutchen McClary. He attended school at the Bennett School House, Salters School, and graduated from Kingstree High School in 1939. After a year at the University of South Carolina, he was drafted into the Army Air Corps, serving in Alaska as an aircraft mechanic and fireman. Returning home, he married the love of his life, Esther "Betty" Newman, of Sumter and began his career as a farmer and country store owner in Salters, SC, with the support of his wife. In addition, along with his father Louie and his uncle Gamble McClary, he provided service for Long Manufacturing Company installing and repairing tobacco barn curers. After closing his country store, he was co-owner of a tractor dealership and was a federal crop insurance adjuster. He was passionate about farming, fishing, and community service. He was a lifetime member of Williamsburg County Farm Bureau, having served 52 years in several capacities. He was a member of American Legion Post # 8. He served on the Palmetto Economic Development Board, 1 year as president. He served on the ASCS Community Committee. In 1965, he was elected to the Santee Electric Co-Op Board of Trustees, and served 33 years, 12 as board president. He was recognized by the State of SC Senate for his leadership, dedication, and 31 years of service to the Williamsburg County Soil and Conservation District. In 2007, he was honored by the Williamsburg HomeTown Chamber as Agriculturist of the Year. He was an active member of Kingstree United Methodist Church. Surviving in addition to his wife Esther, of Salters are: his daughter Alice Marie (Don) Beck, of Mt Pleasant, SC; 2 sons, Louie Claude (Sally) "Butch" McClary, Jr, of Salem, SC and Mallory Vickers (Robin) McClary, of Salters; 6 grandchildren, Patrick and Susan, David and Brian, April and Jennifer; and 5 great grandchildren. Mr. McClary was preceded in death by a sister Doris McClary Williamson and grandson Christopher Kennedy McClary. Memorials may be made to Kingstree United Methodist Church, 510 N. Longstreet Street, Kingstree, SC 29556 and Hospice Care of SC, 131 N Academy Street, Kingstree, SC 29556. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston