Gerald W. Clary was born on March 27th in Glennville, Georgia to Curtis and Lura (Todd) Clary. His parents were sharecroppers, and the first 9 years of his life was often spent in the same fields of cotton and tobacco as his father and uncles. During WWII, his entire family moved to the Hampden-Woodberry district of Baltimore where his father worked in a factory. The oldest of 5 children, he had a number of odd jobs to support his family. During the 10th grade, he dropped out of high school entirely, and at the age of 17 he joined the United States Army.
While in the Army, Gerald, served his country as a Forward Observer for a field artillery unit with the 1st Cavalry Division in Korea. While in combat, he was one of the soldiers who was able to view the Chinese Army massing to cross the Yalu River. He served with distinction, earning a number of citations, including the Korean Service Medal with 5 Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart. He re-enlisted twice, living all over the US and in Germany. He retired in 1961 as a Sgt 1st Class while working in supply and logistics and remained highly decorated in his peacetime rolls.
Spurred by a hunger for an education he never received. He had obtained his GED while in the Army. He also answered his call to Christ and enrolled in Baptist Bible College and was ordained in 1963. He served as a pastor for a short time at First Babtist Church in Wentworth, Missouri.
Eventually, Gerald’s thirst for knowledge led him back to further his education by enrolling in Drury College at the age of 30 under the GI bill. It was there he discovered his love of education and teaching. It was a final career path that would lead him to a 35-year career in the Springfield Public School System and 34 years at Glendale High School. He taught all areas of Social Studies but loved economics, history, and AP psychology most of all. His classes were tough, and his expectations were high. As a result, an entire generation of young leaders were made in his classroom over the years.
Gearald remained active in his community as well as a service to his profession. He was a staunch negotiator, and his leadership in the SNEA secured health insurance and other benefits for thousands of Springfield teachers and retirees. He was a longtime leader in the Ozark Trails Boy Scout Council and loved to share his knowledge of camping and leadership with his peers. In retirement, he became active in the Springfield Neighborhood Association, founding the Oak Grove Neighborhood Association where he served as President for several years.
Gerald’s passions were reading and politics. He adored his family and felt a true duty to his community. Over the years, he made countless donations to local and national charities, with a special focus on any who directly served children in need.
On November 16th, 2023 he passed away peacefully with his wife, Shirley, and son, Kevin, by his side. He is survived by his wife Shirley. His sisters Peggy (Clayton) Thompson and Sue Sunderland of Maryland. His sons Leonard, Phillip, and Kevin (Megan) Clary of Missouri and Glenn (Deborah) Clary of Virginia, daughter Vivian (Fred) Wilner of Minnesota; grandchildren Caris and Nora Clary of Missouri, Andrew (Stephanie) Clary of Michigan, Rachel (Troy) Gatlin of North Carolina, Elizabeth (Zakorey) Madren of Virginia; eight great-grandchidren; Kyle, Sienna, Stone, Stephan, Whitney, Marcus, Myah, and Carter.
In Lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to https://www.myharmonyhouse.org/how-you-can-help/donate-items/.