Orlan Clyde Bales passed away in his home on June 23, 2013 at the age of 81. He was born on November 28, 1931 in Polk County, Arkansas. Clyde graduated from Mena High School and went on to Louisiana State University where he received a degree in Music Education. He returned to Mena where he became band director for Mena High. Clyde later worked in telecommunications and retired from Western Union, Siemens and Hill Associates. He was a faithful member of Brookhaven United Methodist Church. Clyde was involved with music from early on and was proud of having written the alma mater for Mena High School, which they still use to this day. He passed his love of music on to his children and community. He helped found the Callanwolde Concert Band and directed it for 12 years. He returned as a guest conductor on a regular basis after he retired. Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) racing was another passion of his. Early on he shared rallies and gymkhanas with his family. He worked in timing and scoring for over 30 years in local, regional and national events and was honored with a special award for his many years of service to the SCCA. Clyde was known for his sense of humor and punny jokes along with his strong opinions. He had a contagious smile and used it well when he became a professional Santa for the last years of his life. He was proud to be a member of The Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas and he embraced the role of Santa with a passion and love that was unmatched. He is survived by his sister, Bernice Campbell of Mena, Ark; children, Dena Bales Kitchens and her husband Dennis, Celeste Aida Chappell of Willow Springs, NC and her husband Graham, Juanette Willis, and Kevin Sean Bales; grandchildren, Graham Kitchens and his wife Kendall, Katelyn Willis, Bailee Kitchens, Gabrielle Bales, Taylor Kitchens and Nathan Sean Bales; nephew Gary Campbell and nieces Needra Campbell and Connie Davis. Per his wishes, the family will not hold a funeral or memorial service, but will have Clyde's End of the Race Celebration at Road Atlanta in Braselton, GA on Sunday, June 30, 2013 from 4:07 pm till 6:07 pm in the Skip Barber Racing School classroom. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brookhaven United Methodist Church, 1366 N Druid Hills Rd, NE Atlanta, GA 30319-3889, or Children's Health Care of Atlanta (Egleston), ATTN: Gift Processing, 1687 Tullie Circle, Atlanta, GA 30329. The body was donated to Emory University School of Medicine.

Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on June 27, 2013.