Donald Lee Clary

Donald Lee Clary, 78, left this earth to meet his Savior Jesus Christ face to face on September 13, 2022, at home surrounded by his family. He was diagnosed in 2020 with Alzheimer’s & most recently with Cholangiocarcinona. Son of the late Buford L. Clary & the late Lauree Parler Clary, Don was born on September 12, 1944, in Brooklyn, NY, where his father served as a Naval officer. The family moved to Columbia when he was a child, & he graduated from Dreher High School. He attended the University of SC, graduating with a BS & Master’s in Mechanical Engineering. After serving 4 years as a Naval officer, with 2 tours in Vietnam, Don worked with SCE&G/SCANA for 43 years, retiring in 2015. He was selected as Employee of the Month in November 1983. For 22 years, he enjoyed teaching evening engineering courses at USC.

Don is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elaine, sons, Matthew T. Clary, M.D. (Jennifer) of Lexington, SC, & Ryan D. Clary (Jessica) of Spartanburg, SC. Grandchildren: Austin, Cole, Benjamin, Elliott, Grace, & Isaac, twin brother Ronald B. Clary (Sandy), sister Patricia C. Smith (Bill), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, & Fowler In-laws.

Don had a true servant’s heart. He faithfully served God, his family, & his community his entire adult life. He had a special passion for youth ministry, & began teaching Sunday School at Shandon Methodist Church while in college, teaching for over 40 years. He served as Youth Coordinator and on numerous church committees, too many to mention. The main highlight of his year for 37 years was the Shandon Methodist Youth Mission Project in Hollywood, SC. He along with other adults & youth worked generously repairing homes in need. Each year, Don spent many months planning & preparing for this mission which was so close to his heart.

Don spent many years coaching basketball in church & recreational leagues. For several years, he served on the Board of Directors for the North Springs Recreational Basketball League.

Don was a true sports fan, with a special passion for baseball. He spent many years coaching his sons in the Dentsville Youth Baseball League. Don served on its Board of Directors in various positions for 15 years, acquiring the nickname “Mr. Baseball” because of his vast knowledge of the game. In 2012, he received their Lifetime Service Award for his dedication & commitment. Don enjoyed being an umpire for numerous years. He was a loyal fan of his Gamecocks, Los Angeles Dodgers, & Atlanta Braves.

One of his proudest achievements was being an assistant baseball coach at Spring Valley High School for 8 years. Quoting a former player, Tradd Denny, “Thank you for being a shining example of what a true coach should be. You were the light for many of us, & God used you to plant many seeds along the way. You are the Gold Standard of coaches, but most importantly, you are the Gold Standard of being a man of Christ.”

To know Don was to love him. He was the master planner of fun, always playing games, doing puzzles, being a jokester, & giving back & neck massages. He loved unconditionally. He forgave freely. He felt God put him on this earth to make a difference, & make a difference he surely did. His was a life well lived.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 18, 2022, followed by the Celebration of His Life at 2:00 p.m. at Riverland Hills Baptist Church, where he was a member of the church choir for the past 11 years. WELL DONE THY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT! Matthew 25:23

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Shandon Methodist Church Youth Mission Project or to the Riverland Hills Baptist Church Choir.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.