Joe Keith Clary, 75, of Advance, NC, passed away Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Forsyth Medical Center. Joe was born November 25, 1940 in Gaffney, SC to Edgar Keith Clary and Mary Lucrecia Clary. He was raised in North Charleston, SC, and graduated from Chicora High School (1958) and The Citadel(1962). He was a member of the Summerall Guards and The Junior Sword Drill Team. Post-graduation, he married the love of his life, Anne Pardue Clary. They celebrated their 54th anniversary this year. Joe served in the US Army, 82nd Airborne Division and did 2 tours of duty in the Vietnam conflict. He received several honors including 2 Bronze Star Medals, and the Purple Heart. He received an honorable discharge as a Captain. Joe and Anne moved to Winston-Salem in 1970, where he worked with Hanes Corporation and retired from Sara Lee Hosiery. He was involved with all aspects of his children’s education and little league sports. He spent several years on the Ardmore Wildcats football and Southwest Forsyth Little league baseball fields. He was at every game and practice and was loved by all of the parents and children. Joe was an avid golfer and dedicated many years to the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He was the local Chapter 638 Commander and later became State Commander of North Carolina as well as The Eastern Regional Commander. Joe was also on the National Publication committee of the M.O.P.H. He was respected and loved by his fellow Purple Heart Patriots and brothers in arms. Joe “Big Daddy” Clary is survived by his wife Anne, son Joe Keith Clary Jr., daughter Beth-Anne Clary Brown, son-in-law David Brown, grandchildren Dalton (Amanda), Devin (Greg King Jr.) and Dani Brown, great grandchildren Alison and Asher Brown. He is preceded in death by his great grandson Daxton Keith Brown. A graveside service will be held 10:00 A.M, Friday, September 30, 2016 at Salisbury National Cemetery. A celebration of life service will be 4:00 P.M. Saturday, October 1, 2016 at Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers Joe has requested that donations should be made to Military Order of the Purple Heart. Donations can be made to: M.O.P.H. Chapter 638 In care of David Taylor, Chapter Commander. 1211 East Westmoreland Road King NC, 27021 Online condolences may be made to www.hayworth-miller.com.
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