Robert W. Clary Jr.

Robert W. Clary, Jr.
Carolina Shores
For fifty-eight years our world was blessed by the life of Robert William Clary, Jr. To know him was to experience what God has created us to be. He was a man of great humility, who gave of himself with all that he had to enrich the lives of others. Whether referred to as Mr. Clary, Bob, Bobby or Dad, those who knew him were truly in the presence of a man with an infinite capacity to love. It was a love learned from the Father who received Bob home Friday, October 5, 2012 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Though his earthly journey came to completion without warning, his spirit radiates that much brighter. It is so true that "The great use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it." Bob lived in the wonderful balance of having attained maturity without losing his childlike sense of enthusiasm and humor. His gentleness and infectious laughter drew you into his presence while his positive attitude, encouragement, and compassion kept you there. When adversity came, rather than be defeated, he learned from it, imparting to others the wisdom gained while developing into the great man he became.
Robert William Clary, Jr. was born on May 21,1954 in Jacksonville, Florida, the son of Laurel Jones Clary and the late Robert W. Clary, Sr. In addition to his cherished mother, he is survived by his beloved wife, Matty Clary of Carolina Shores, formally of Chile; seven loving children: Melissa C. Sinclair (Ian), Maria Soto (Christian), Allison Clary, Jason Clary, Jeong Clary, Robert W. Clary, III, Justin Clary; one grandchild, Isabella; two sisters, Debbie Kosh (John), Karen Blazek (Richard); several aunts, uncles, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Regardless of personal sacrifice, Bob continually offered himself in whatever capacity was needed. He was a tenderhearted man whose big hands and affectionate heart brought comfort and solace to everything they touched. With an amazing gift of remembrance, he possessed a wealth of knowledge that he was eager to share. He had an uncanny ability to retrieve the smallest detail such as a sports statistic from over fifty years ago. His unmistakable passionate nature was always evident, as he expressed what was within. His pastimes included sports, trivia games, fishing, and golf. Nothing in the world, however, compared to the love he had for his family.
After graduating from John T. Hoggard High School and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Bob entered the United States Navy. Thereafter, he earned a Master of Engineering degree from the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California. He embraced the opportunity to make a positive difference. Whatever the task, it was done to the highest standard through his selfless dedication and commitment to excellence. With the completion of a distinguished fifteen year career, he retired as a Lieutenant Commander.
Afterward, Bob obtained employment with Food Lion as a department manager. His extraordinary work ethic, attention to detail, and outstanding performance enabled him to become a store manager, a position he held until his death. It was not uncommon for him to be transferred from one location to the next, for he had an amazing ability to bring each one up to its highest potential. During his twenty year career with the company, he experienced great success, but none more important than the relationships he had with the people. His heart was wholly invested in their lives, both professionally and personally. "Mr. Clary" was considered family; a father figure. He was a leader, yet full of grace and humility that understood the value of people and the necessity to work alongside them, as one team with a common purpose.
The family extends their gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and prayer during this unexpected time of tremendous loss. Without our faith in Christ and the love He channels through his people, we would be wandering hopelessly in darkness.
A funeral service will be held at 10 am on Thursday, October 11th at Lee Funeral Home in Little River, SC followed by a graveside service at 11 am on Friday, October 12th at Oleander Memorial Gardens in Wilmington, NC with full military honors.
A message of condolence may be sent to lfhome@sccoast.net.
Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.