Rev. Thomas Edison McClary was born on May 14, 1932, to the late Charles and Merie (Wilson) McClary, in Kingstree, South Carolina. He was the seventh of eight children born to this union. Thomas departed this life on Sunday March 10, 2024. As a youngster, “T”, as he was affectionately called by many family and friends, was taught to love God, his family and all people at Greater Bethel AME Church in Kingstree. A bright scholar and youngest in his class, T graduated from Tomlinson High School as salutatorian, and then from Allen University in 1954. He was immediately drafted into the US Army. He served with the Military Intelligence Corps, and taught in the Army Intelligence School in Fort Holabird, Maryland. On June 4, 1960 he was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life and college sweetheart, Beatrice Mouzon. This union was blessed with one beautiful daughter, Jettie Merie McClary. For twenty years, Rev. McClary served his country stateside, in Germany, Panama and with two tours in Viet Nam, receiving the bronze star. Master Sargent McClary was honorably discharged in 1974. Settling in the Wagon Branch community of Ridgeland, SC, he answered the call to preach the gospel, just as he began teaching at Ridgeland Middle School. Rev. McClary, still a student in ministry, was asked to preach a few Sundays at St. Stephen AME Church in Hardeeville. In December, 1975, St. Stephen was destroyed by fire. In January, 1976, he was appointed to pastor the St. Paul and St. Stephen AME Church Circuit. By God’s grace and the hard work of the congregation, St. Stephen was rebuilt by June, 1976. Rev. McClary was ordained an itinerant Elder in 1978, and served the members of St. Stephen, the communities in Hardeeville and Jasper County for 33 years, and remained a minister in good standing and regular standing. When he retired from ministry and teaching 2007, his faithful worship and service continued as a member of St. John AME, Wagon Branch, Ridgeland, SC. Rev. McClary’s community involvement always extended beyond the church. He served on the Jasper County Council from 1994-2007, being elected Chairperson, three times. His other involvements include Jasper County Rotary Club (Past President), Happy Home Lodge #125, Prince Hall Affliction Cradle–Simmons Consistory 33rd Degree Mason – Beaufort- Jasper Alumni Association of Allen University – Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. – Veterans of Foreign Wars (Life Member); Disabled American Veterans (Life Member); American Legion; South Carolina and National Education Association Retired Teachers (Life Member); NAACP. Among his many awards, he was proudest of the Bronze Star, The National Council of Negro Women’s Religious Award for South Carolina, and being a Martin Luther King Honoree for Jasper County. Rev. McClary was a friend to all and the backbone of his family. He was a news junkie, watching MSNBC and CNN on repeat, and an avid reader of various local and national newspapers and magazines. His was always hopeful when the Washington Commanders took the football field and remained a loyal fan no matter the score. His sense of humor, quick wit, honesty and integrity earned him love and respect from many. However, his highest priority was serving the Lord with his whole heart. Thomas was preceded in death by his lovely daughter, Jettie, his parents, Charles & Merie McClary, his siblings, Hazel, Johnnie Mae, Hildonia, Edna, William Etta, David Chappelle and Otis.