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Russell Clary Obituary

Russell Paul Clary CHARLOTTE - Russell Paul Clary, 50, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on June 29, 2014. Russell was the beloved son of Moodye and Virle Clary. He was born on January 22, 1964, in Dallas, Texas, and his family moved to Charlotte shortly thereafter. Upon his 1982 graduation from South Mecklenburg High School, Russell was a decorated athlete and an accomplished student. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business from The Citadel where he was a proud member of the Summerall Guards and Cadet Chorale and dedicated friend to his fellow cadets. After beginning his career in Information Technology, Russell earned his master's in computer science from UNCC. Russell is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 24 years, Katie Cunningham Clary, and his daughters Kathryn and Margot Clary, and brother Craig Clary, as well as many nieces and nephews. The family extends its deep gratitude to special friends Frances Moore, Neil Cottrell and Shannon Nichols. The family will receive friends at their home on July 1st from 6-8pm. Please contact Russell's family for address and directions. A service celebrating Russell's life will be held at Sharon Baptist Church, 6411 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28210, on Wednesday, July 2nd at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Joe Martin ALS Foundation, Joemartinalsfoundation.org/.

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Published by Charlotte Observer from Jun. 30 to Jul. 2, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Russell Clary

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Peggy Sharp

July 11, 2014

Clary family,
May the memories you shared give you strength and comfort. Our prayers are with you.
Greg and Peggy Sharp

July 11, 2014

Let the wonderful memories you shared give you strength and comfort. Our prayers are with you.
Greg and Peggy Sharp

Marion Magee

July 3, 2014

Katy,
Just heard your dear husband has passed & would like to convey our condolences to you & your girls..
We never met Russell, however we can tell from reading these messages that he was "a great fella" as they say in Ireland!!!
May your memories comfort you at this sad time & knowing he is with his Lord & Saviour makes the burden so much easier... It is only 'Goodnight' we have to say, not 'Goodbye' like those who have no hope. Hugs....Xxxooo Marion & Ken Magee Cornelius NC

Charlie Littlejohn

July 3, 2014

I was once Russell's youth director. He was a terrific person. I am so sorry about his passing. I thought so much of him. I will be praying for his family.

Dean Costas

July 3, 2014

All the best to the family as we honor and remember Russell as the best in so many ways. Russell lives on as an inspiration and as a tremendous example of fortitude, humor, and grace.

Richard Almes

July 3, 2014

Russell was a great classmate and friend. We spent a lot of time together during our four years at the Cid. I enjoyed our time together at all of the reunions starting with the fifth. He always attended and was a great joy to be around. It was so hard to see what he had to deal with after the diagnosis. I was able to have a private breakfast with him soon after he was diagnosed. That is a great memory I have of him. I won't ever forget what a wonderful man, friend, father and husband he was.

My thoughts and prayers to all of his family and friends.

Angela (Murphy) Schellpfeffer

July 3, 2014

Dear Clary family I am so sorry for your loss. I read all these postings and the deep long friendships Russell shared are a true testament to his character. I went to South Meck with Russell and knew him well for a few years after but then we lost touch. What a loss for me to not have stayed connected with Russell and so many of these wonderful friends. Russell was always so warm and friendly. Never met a stranger and such a funny disposition. He always made me smile. I am so deeply sorry that you all endured the pain and anguish of ALS. No doubt Russell is resting in the arms of our savior, knowing truth and peace through Christ. May God bring comfort to all of you.

July 3, 2014

To the Clarys - We were saddened to hear of Russell's passing. We are praying for you and remembering Russell dearly.
Tim and Sarah Richards

Chuck Eassa

July 2, 2014

The Clary family is in our prayers. Russell will be missed as he was an amazing man that exemplified our Citadel Class of 1986 - God, Strength, Determination, Family, Friends!

July 2, 2014

Katie,Katherine and Margo: I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear husband and father. Our thoughts are prayers are with you during this difficult time. Russell was a unique individual and touched a lot of lives.
He will be missed and remembered dearly. Love the Richard, Leigh and Collin P

Shirley Lambert

July 2, 2014

Dear Katie and Family,I was saddened to learn of Russell's death. I met him when I was working in Computer Science and he was getting his Masters. It didn't take me long to learn he was a very special young man and a Christian. He would bring little Katie in to see me and it always made my day. He gave me a beautiful framed picture of her made at Cinderella's Castle and I've kept it all these years. I know she is a beautiful young lady now. I am sorry I didn't get to meet Margot. I know he loved you all very much. I pray that God will give you his wonderful peace during these difficult days of losing someone so dear to you.

Love and prayers,
Shirley Lambert

Robert Litaker

July 2, 2014

Russell was part of the cadre of Lima company when I arrived at the Citadel. He was much respected by all who were around him. His loss is a shock. My prayers and condolences to his family and friends.

Tom Cunningham

July 2, 2014

Russell we will miss you very much. You touched my Girls and grandkids with your example on how too face adversity. They will carry this with them their entire lives. Thank you,
Kate, Kathryn and Margo we love you and you are in our prayers.

Doug Floyd

July 2, 2014

Memories will live forever in the stories told to our children about the men of Lima Co. '86. Russell “Fred” Clary is very much a part of those memories enjoyed be many. My very best wishes for Katie, the Family and multitude of lives Russell touched.

Adam Fabian

July 2, 2014

I will never forget Russell's infectious smile as knobs in Third Battalion at The Citadel. You will be missed by many on earth. I pray for your family during their loss of such a great man. Until we all meet again....

Chris Nenninger

July 1, 2014

Russell is my friend, my classmate, my brother, and my mentor. He was always there for me in high school, football, at The Citadel, and just hanging out. God be with the Clary family and rain down an abundance of blessings and favor upon them.

A gentleman and a source of strength for us all

Craig Lebamoff

July 1, 2014

There is no one I admired more at The Citadel than Russell. There is no man that could have faced ALS with more courage than Russell. He is gone, but my many happy memories of our hijinks in Lima Company will remain forever. My prayers to Katie and the girls.

Kay Tawney

July 1, 2014

One of my favorite students. Russell had a great sense of humor and was loved by everyone. He made an impact in his way too short time on the planet

Robert Squires

July 1, 2014

Russell was a great guy and I feel blessed to have known him. Rest in Peace, Russell, my friend and Citadel classmate!

John & Robin Crabtree

July 1, 2014

Russell was and will always be one of those few people you meet that everyone knows him and I never heard a negative view...what a way to be remembered. Peace and comfort to all of the Clary family.

Patty & David Lyles

July 1, 2014

We are so sorry for the loss of this amazing young man . Our thoughts and prayers are with the family

Diane Elder

July 1, 2014

Katie,
It was an honor to be able to know Russell. I pray for peace for you, your family and all the extended family and friends that Russell so deeply touched. He will be missed by more than can be counted. He was courageous in his fight and an inspiration to so many. Let me know if there is any way I can be of service to you and your family. Peace, comfort and love, Diane

Nancy Bolten

July 1, 2014

Dear Clary family,
John and I extend our deepest sympathy. Although Russell was married when we first came Sharon, I want to share a moment that I will always cherish. One sunday service at Sharon many years ago on Fathers Day our congregation was gifted with a song by Russell, Craig and Moodye. It was so inspiring and so memorable. It was one of those moments in life you never forget. Peace be with you and your family,

Bob and Ashley (Miller) Capreol

July 1, 2014

You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We are better people for having known such a great person as Russell. Please find comfort now.

Diane Thortsen - Estes

July 1, 2014

Love you Russell. My heart goes out to his family. He was 'one of a kind'. Truly a bright light in the face of anyone who was blessed to meet him. We met singing in the Sharon Baptist Youth Choir in 8th grade and he became my first 'boy friend'. Singing and riding skate boards on the 1/2 pipe in his parents front yard - great times and life long memories of an enduring friendship. Will always carry the sound of your voice with me. Always an inspiration ~

John Neblett

July 1, 2014

Russell was and will continue to be an amazing inspiration to me and so many others. He lived his life in a manner in which all could be proud and thankful to call him a friend, brother, son, husband or father.
Russell opened his arms of friendship to so many as a teenager and through his incredible strength and love for life continued to be a catalyst for uniting people.
Prayers and positive thoughts continue for Katie, Kathryn, Margot, Craig, Virle, Moodye and all of the Clary family. Russell was so truly blessed to have you.

July 1, 2014

To All the Clary Family,
All the Reedy family are mourning your loss and remembering our times at Sharon together. We regret we will not be able to attend Russell's service, but please know we love you and will be thinking of all of you.
Joel and Gayle Reedy

Dick Miller

July 1, 2014

Russell was a great guy and a gentleman. Faced this awful disease with dignity and grace. A great member of the long gray line. You will be missed.

Mike Allen

July 1, 2014

I owe Russell so much from our senior year at South Meck. A gem of a guy and I will miss him dearly. Thoughts and prayers are with the entire Clary family.

Dawn (York) Martin

July 1, 2014

Your family will be in my prayers. I have been in Charlotte since our time at South Meck and know you have many who have rallied around you along the way. A great guy who will be missed.

July 1, 2014

Dear Katie and family, I was so sorry to hear of Russel's passing. I will always remember the fun times we had at AT&T. At least Russell is at peace with the Lord and I will be praying for you all. God Bless! Love, Betsy Richardson

Wade Carpenter

July 1, 2014

May prayers comfort the Clary family during this difficult time..Blessing for the Clary family to comfort their hearts..

Alex Gordeuk

July 1, 2014

Russ, the many fellow members of the Long Gray Line will miss you. God Bless you and your family. A.W. Gordeuk, The Citadel '86

Kim and Mark Clifton

July 1, 2014

Our love and prayers are with you. God bless you.

Sherrill Almes

June 30, 2014

Katie,
Keeping you and the girls in my prayers.
Love, Sherrill Almes

Cheryl Blankenship

June 30, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you guys, Russell was a great friend to me and all who knew him, I will always cherish the memories i have growing up with him, he is at peace now and I will miss him dearly, god bless...

Fred Witherspoon

June 30, 2014

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers...

Susanne (Gine) Todd

June 30, 2014

Our pain here on earth at the news of your passing is mitigated with the knowledge that you have attained your Glory. Russell, peace be with you as well as your family and those who love you dearly.

Tony Purcell

June 30, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Purcell Family

Steve Banner

June 30, 2014

You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Steve and Dava Banner, Neal, Dean and Ross
Crouse, NC

June 30, 2014

Rest in Peace to such a dear sweet, strong and courageous man. Prayers to the Clary family. God bless.
Darlene McNeil Miranda

Lane Sykes

June 30, 2014

Katie and Craig, I am so sorry about Russell's passing. I know he was a great husband, father and brother. Praying for all y'all.

Lisa Hinnant

June 30, 2014

You were an inspiration to many . Your courage , humor and smile is what I remember most. You are free my friend. With Love

Carol Thornton

June 30, 2014

Russell,
We will miss your love and laughter, but most of all your friendship. I will always remember our friendship from grade school to visits at The Citadel and then South Meck walks! You will most certainly have the largest group welcoming you in Heaven and another here on earth waiting to join you one day! Your courage and strength were a blessing to all who knew you. Rest in Peace my dear friend, it is well deserved!

Love in Christ~

Carol

Davyoneda Mackey (McDaniel )

June 30, 2014

Praying for comfort and peace for your family.

June 30, 2014

Russell it was fantastic having you in our youth group while we were growing up. You have fought a long battle and I know you have many jewels in your crown in heaven. You are whole again and celebrating with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You will be missed! We love all of y'all! Our prayers will be with your family during this time. Take flight my friend and sing in that beautiful choir in heaven. Love the Connors.

June 30, 2014

Russell, you are going to be missed by so many, so deeply. My heart is heavy as I write to you. Thinking of you as part of my childhood and as we grew up, you were and have always been one of the finest people I've ever known. Your kindness and laughter has been spread through the hearts of all who knew you. You're with Jesus now in heaven, where there is no pain. May He bless you and keep you eternally.
Love always, Cathi Underwood

Neil Cottrell

June 30, 2014

Dear Clary family,
Please accept my condolences. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to help Russell and thereby get to know him. I'll never forget the fun we had, his jokes, and pranks he pulled on me. I will miss him.
And thank you for providing him the best care possible.
Sincerely,
Neil Cottrell
The Joe Martin ALS Foundation

June 30, 2014

Dear Clary Family,
My son, Norman Wilkinson, and Russell were friends both at Sharon and South Meck. I am not on Facebook but, my daughter Lynne has kept me up on Russell's journey.

I remember Russell as bringing excitement and vitality to everything he did. In working with the youth at Sharon, I remember him as full of life and fun. I am saddened by his passing and the terrible affliction he and you as a family endured. He was well-loved and a big hole exists in this side of heaven but, heaven is now richer now.

With deepest sympathy and love,
Brenda Wilkinson

Scott Stroupe

June 30, 2014

Russell,

Words can not describe how much you meant to me and so many others. You touched so many lives in your short time here. Your contagious smile, laugh and strength will be a testament to all who had the pleasure to know you. I will always treasure our friendship. I know you are in a much better place, but I will miss you my brother. I'm happy you have peace now. You deserve it.

Until we meet again.

Love in Christ.

Your friend

Scott

Meg Kris Kayley & Amy Newton

June 30, 2014

Russell, we will miss you! You are a shining example of handling with horrible diease with courage and grace. We love you so much!

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