SMSgt James Louis McClary, a retired United States Air Force military veteran, expectantly departed this earthly life on March 28, 2021 in Panama City, Florida.
James Louis (as he is affectionately known) was born in Kingstree, SC June 1, 1955 to Louis and Parelee McClary. He was raised by his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Capers Woodbury in Greeleyville, SC and later moved to Kingstree, SC in his middle school years.
In the late 80’s he was stationed on Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Fl. where he retired and resided until he departed this life. SMSgt James McClary was a highly decorated, 24-year veteran that has traveled the world, for which he delighted in telling the many stories. He was a lead supervisor in the USAF and in his civil service position with Lockheed Martin. While serving active duty he had 7 certificates of accommodations and played on the USAF military basketball team, playing against Sinbad (the comedian) in Ramstein AFB in Germany.
In August of 1974 he married his high school sweetheart Apostle Sherlene (Bradley) McClary, which they remained married until he departed this earth.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years Apostle Sherlene McClary; son Artemus McClary (Michelle) of Jacksonville, Fl; daughter Shawntell McClary World (Miquel) of Panama City, Fl.; son Anthony McClary (Lisa) of Panama City, Fl.; One sister Phyllis McClary-Young; Two uncles George McClary (Greeleyville, SC) and Henry McClary (Alexandria, VA); two aunts Othenia Cooper (Lake City, SC), and Claudia Murray (Fayetteville, SC) and 3 cousins that were like brothers Jerry Gainey, Tyrone Gainey, Bishop Hayes T. Gainey, and 5 grandchildren: Aelaya, Xzavier, Isreal, Josiah and Elijah; and a host of other family relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Louis McClary and mother Parelee McClary.
Viewing will be at 11am and Service will start at 1 pm at New Beginnings 662 Cone Ave on Saturday April 3, 2021. Military Burial at Florence National Cemetery, Florence, SC.
