Benjamin Clary

Benjamin F. Clary, 89, of Shelby, died Sept. 12, 2013, at the VA Medical Community Living Center in Asheville, NC. He was the son of Blando and Myrtle Anthony Clary.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Julia Clary, his son Ronnie Clary, grandson John Clary, and brothers Alvin, Bill, and Henry Clary. He is survived by son Dennis and wife Linda, son Scott and wife Finis, and daughter Vicki Thomas and husband Keith, as well as grandchildren: Michael and Mitchell Clary; Wesley and wife Monica Thomas, Seth, and Andrea Thomas; Jeremy and Anna Parker; Sarah and Mark Deady and great-grandchildren Lee and Ava. He is also survived by sister, Shirley Pruett and husband Roy, and brother, David Clary and friend Jackie Wilson, and lifelong friends Paul and Margaret Lemmons.
Ben was a decorated World War II veteran, receiving several medals, including the Purple Heart, for his service for our country. He was a war hero, and also our personal hero. Ben loved people and enjoyed making them laugh. He loved camping, hunting, and fishing. As he got older and could not do those activities, he would just amuse himself and others by adding to the stories and making them a little more adventurous and humorous. He will be greatly missed.
The family greatly appreciates the care and love given by the VA Living Center in Asheville.
The family will receive friends Sunday, Sept. 15, one hour prior to the service. The funeral service will be at 3 p.m. at the Cleveland Funeral Services Chapel.