He was born October 5, 1934, in LaGrange, Georgia to Carl Jackson McClurg and Elsie Underwood McClurg. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Yvonne McClurg.
After graduating from LaGrange High School in 1952 Richard immediately joined the U.S. Navy at age 17. He served for three years, including 18 months on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Hancock. After his discharge from the Navy, he entered LaGrange College, where he graduated in 1959 with a business major.
He married Emily Paxton of LaGrange in June,1961.
While still a college student he started working at C&S Bank in LaGrange, which he joined full-time after graduation, beginning a 40-year banking career. He joined First National Bank of Cartersville (later Wachovia) in 1974. He spent his last 12 years in banking at Bartow County Bank, where he retired at the end of 2001 as vice-president and auditor.
Richard was active in the community, especially with the Lions Club, where he served as the treasurer for many years and was the recipient of the Melvin D. Jones service award. For numerous years he made from scratch the delicious lemonade which was served at the Lions annual barbecue at Gatewood Park.
He was a dedicated member of Sam Jones Methodist Church since 1974. He served several terms on the Administrative Board and was a member of the Finance Committee for many years. He also was the long-time church treasurer. He enjoyed being part of the Pairs and Spares Sunday School class where he and his wife Emily made many lasting friendships.
He and Emily enjoyed traveling and planning trips – first in the U.S. with their three children and then later to a number of other countries. They took many cruises with friends and family, including going to Alaska, the Mediterranean Sea, Scandanavia and the British Isles. He especially loved the U.S. national parks and traveled to some of them multiple times. Richard was proud that he had visited all fifty states during his lifetime.
Richard was completely devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his family and they will miss him deeply.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Emily Paxton McClurg; daughter Alison (Clark) Wiedetz of Cartersville; sons Paxton (Hope) McClurg of Anchorage, Alaska and Matthew (Kim) McClurg of Clarkesville, Georgia; grandchildren Sarah, Lydia and Sam Wiedetz and Madeline McClurg; step-great-granddaughters Raelynn and Sophie Clayton of Anchorage, Alaska; and several nieces and great- nephews.
Interment will be in Shadowlawn Cemetery in LaGrange. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Richard’s memory to Sam Jones Methodist Church, 100 West Church Street, Cartersville, Georgia 30120 or to Georgia Alzheimer’s Association, 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 550, Atlanta, Georgia 30346.
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