Roger J. Clary, age 82, of Destin, Fla., died Tuesday morning, May 9, 2000, at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center after a brief illness.
Mr. Clary was born on June 10, 1917, in Garden City, Fla., to Henry and Mabel Clary, who preceded him in death. As a child being raised on a farm across from Myrtle Creek, he developed a very strong work ethic and respect for life and people. He worked at a sawmill and turpentine plant owned by his grandfather, Davis Clary. He knew what hard times really were.
In 1935, he moved to south Okaloosa County, where he worked several jobs in those early years, including operating a shooting gallery and bowling alley. On March 24, 1940, he married Ella Fair White from Evergreen, Ala. They recently celebrated 60 years together and she was still his sweetheart.
From 1943 to 1946 he served in the U.S. Army's 42nd Rainbow Infantry, Engineering Division. He was on his way to Japan when the atomic bomb was dropped and the war ended. He received several merit awards and service ribbons and was honorably discharged. Once back at home he became actively involved in the development of south Okaloosa County and remained so until the time of his death. He had a vision for Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and Destin that has been one of the motivating forces in the area's rapid growth, making it a wonderful place to work, live and relax.
He served in 1957 and 1962 as president of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the board of directors of Humana Hospital, was president of the Air Force Armament Museum, and for 20 years on the Road and Bridge Committee of Destin Chamber of Commerce, to list a few.
In 1946, he and his wife Ella opened the first "ladies ready to wear" dress shop in Fort Walton Beach. In 1949 he built and operated Silver Beach Cottage and Motel in Destin. From 1950 to 1960 he and his brother-in-law owned and operated the Bay Lumber Co. and Sawmill in Niceville, Fla. In 1960 he built and operated the Howard Johnson Motel and the Rib Room in Fort Walton Beach.
In 1970 he and his family moved to Destin and opened the First National Bank of Destin, the city's first bank. In 1978 he built and owned the Indian Bayou Golf and Country Club and the Indian Bayou restricted subdivision, the most exclusive in Destin at that time. In 1983 he built the Shores Shopping Center in Destin. He loved fishing and was an avid golfer. Roger Clary was greatly admired and respected as a gentleman. He was sought after for his management skills and integrity in leadership. He was a fair man.
Each of his personal and business endeavors has filled a void in the community, enriching and improving the lifestyles of countless families and individuals. Mr. Clary was filled with innovative ideas and always had a forward-looking vision to make the world a better place to live. He will be greatly missed. Friends will always remember him as a man who had time to talk with everyone.
He is also survived by his two wonderful and devoted children: Barbara Clary Kelly of Fort Walton Beach, and Michael Clary of Destin, who are greatly involved in his businesses. He loved them and was greatly loved and admired by them. His two grandsons, Michael and Christopher Kelly of Fort Walton Beach were treated like sons and he loved them like a father.
Survivors also include his sister, Clara Cox Pinkstaff and brother-in-law Hayden Cox, both of Tampa, Fla.; cousin, Chuck Clary and wife Carolyn of Shalimar, Fla., and Chuck's children, Charlie Clary and wife Beth and their children Joanna and Laura, all of Destin, Carol Ann Clary of Destin, Libby Gabriel and her children Brian and Elliot, all of Destin; and cousin, Paul Clary of Shreveport, La.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at McLaughlin Mortuary.
Funeral services will be conducted at First Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach on Friday, May 12, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Glyn Lowery Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Beal Memorial Cemetery. Mr. Clary will lie in state two hours prior to services at the church.
Active pallbearers include Michael Kelly, Christopher Kelly, Gene Bass, Jim Stanley, Jim Liafau, Nelson Davis Jr. and Capt. Kelly Windes. Honorary pallbearers include Chris Johnson, Dwight Harrigan, Jimmy Vaughn, Joe Guidry, Dr. Andrew Giesen, Cliff Long, John McGee, Wilson Minger, Bob McGill, Spencer Mitchum, Sterl Rainer Sr., Dr. Gerald Hollingsworth, Bob White, Bubba Harris, J.W. Ward, Ernest Shahid, Col. Thornton Peck, Lowell Taylor, Walter Givhan, Dr. Yvette Novak, Judge Robert Barron, Judge Gillis Powell Sr., Larry Anchors, Cecil Anchors and Glenn Kilpatrick.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to either the American Diabetes Association, 5514 N. Davis Hwy., Suite C-111, Pensacola, FL 32503; or to the Childrens Advocacy Center, P.O. Box 1237, Niceville, FL 32588-1237.
McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Fort Walton Beach, entrusted with arrangements.
Published in the Northwest Florida Daily News on May 11, 2000
Mr. Clary was born on June 10, 1917, in Garden City, Fla., to Henry and Mabel Clary, who preceded him in death. As a child being raised on a farm across from Myrtle Creek, he developed a very strong work ethic and respect for life and people. He worked at a sawmill and turpentine plant owned by his grandfather, Davis Clary. He knew what hard times really were.
In 1935, he moved to south Okaloosa County, where he worked several jobs in those early years, including operating a shooting gallery and bowling alley. On March 24, 1940, he married Ella Fair White from Evergreen, Ala. They recently celebrated 60 years together and she was still his sweetheart.
From 1943 to 1946 he served in the U.S. Army's 42nd Rainbow Infantry, Engineering Division. He was on his way to Japan when the atomic bomb was dropped and the war ended. He received several merit awards and service ribbons and was honorably discharged. Once back at home he became actively involved in the development of south Okaloosa County and remained so until the time of his death. He had a vision for Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and Destin that has been one of the motivating forces in the area's rapid growth, making it a wonderful place to work, live and relax.
He served in 1957 and 1962 as president of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the board of directors of Humana Hospital, was president of the Air Force Armament Museum, and for 20 years on the Road and Bridge Committee of Destin Chamber of Commerce, to list a few.
In 1946, he and his wife Ella opened the first "ladies ready to wear" dress shop in Fort Walton Beach. In 1949 he built and operated Silver Beach Cottage and Motel in Destin. From 1950 to 1960 he and his brother-in-law owned and operated the Bay Lumber Co. and Sawmill in Niceville, Fla. In 1960 he built and operated the Howard Johnson Motel and the Rib Room in Fort Walton Beach.
In 1970 he and his family moved to Destin and opened the First National Bank of Destin, the city's first bank. In 1978 he built and owned the Indian Bayou Golf and Country Club and the Indian Bayou restricted subdivision, the most exclusive in Destin at that time. In 1983 he built the Shores Shopping Center in Destin. He loved fishing and was an avid golfer. Roger Clary was greatly admired and respected as a gentleman. He was sought after for his management skills and integrity in leadership. He was a fair man.
Each of his personal and business endeavors has filled a void in the community, enriching and improving the lifestyles of countless families and individuals. Mr. Clary was filled with innovative ideas and always had a forward-looking vision to make the world a better place to live. He will be greatly missed. Friends will always remember him as a man who had time to talk with everyone.
He is also survived by his two wonderful and devoted children: Barbara Clary Kelly of Fort Walton Beach, and Michael Clary of Destin, who are greatly involved in his businesses. He loved them and was greatly loved and admired by them. His two grandsons, Michael and Christopher Kelly of Fort Walton Beach were treated like sons and he loved them like a father.
Survivors also include his sister, Clara Cox Pinkstaff and brother-in-law Hayden Cox, both of Tampa, Fla.; cousin, Chuck Clary and wife Carolyn of Shalimar, Fla., and Chuck's children, Charlie Clary and wife Beth and their children Joanna and Laura, all of Destin, Carol Ann Clary of Destin, Libby Gabriel and her children Brian and Elliot, all of Destin; and cousin, Paul Clary of Shreveport, La.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at McLaughlin Mortuary.
Funeral services will be conducted at First Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach on Friday, May 12, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Glyn Lowery Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Beal Memorial Cemetery. Mr. Clary will lie in state two hours prior to services at the church.
Active pallbearers include Michael Kelly, Christopher Kelly, Gene Bass, Jim Stanley, Jim Liafau, Nelson Davis Jr. and Capt. Kelly Windes. Honorary pallbearers include Chris Johnson, Dwight Harrigan, Jimmy Vaughn, Joe Guidry, Dr. Andrew Giesen, Cliff Long, John McGee, Wilson Minger, Bob McGill, Spencer Mitchum, Sterl Rainer Sr., Dr. Gerald Hollingsworth, Bob White, Bubba Harris, J.W. Ward, Ernest Shahid, Col. Thornton Peck, Lowell Taylor, Walter Givhan, Dr. Yvette Novak, Judge Robert Barron, Judge Gillis Powell Sr., Larry Anchors, Cecil Anchors and Glenn Kilpatrick.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to either the American Diabetes Association, 5514 N. Davis Hwy., Suite C-111, Pensacola, FL 32503; or to the Childrens Advocacy Center, P.O. Box 1237, Niceville, FL 32588-1237.
McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Fort Walton Beach, entrusted with arrangements.
Published in the Northwest Florida Daily News on May 11, 2000
Roger J. Clary, age 82, of Destin, Fla., died Tuesday morning, May 9, 2000, at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center after a brief illness.
Mr. Clary was born on June 10, 1917, in Garden City, Fla., to Henry and Mabel Clary, who preceded him in death. As a child being raised on a farm across from Myrtle Creek, he developed a very strong work ethic and respect for life and people. He worked at a sawmill and turpentine plant owned by his grandfather, Davis Clary. He knew what hard times really were.
In 1935, he moved to south Okaloosa County, where he worked several jobs in those early years, including operating a shooting gallery and bowling alley. On March 24, 1940, he married Ella Fair White from Evergreen, Ala. They recently celebrated 60 years together and she was still his sweetheart.
From 1943 to 1946 he served in the U.S. Army's 42nd Rainbow Infantry, Engineering Division. He was on his way to Japan when the atomic bomb was dropped and the war ended. He received several merit awards and service ribbons and was honorably discharged. Once back at home he became actively involved in the development of south Okaloosa County and remained so until the time of his death. He had a vision for Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and Destin that has been one of the motivating forces in the area's rapid growth, making it a wonderful place to work, live and relax.
He served in 1957 and 1962 as president of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the board of directors of Humana Hospital, was president of the Air Force Armament Museum, and for 20 years on the Road and Bridge Committee of Destin Chamber of Commerce, to list a few.
In 1946, he and his wife Ella opened the first "ladies ready to wear" dress shop in Fort Walton Beach. In 1949 he built and operated Silver Beach Cottage and Motel in Destin. From 1950 to 1960 he and his brother-in-law owned and operated the Bay Lumber Co. and Sawmill in Niceville, Fla. In 1960 he built and operated the Howard Johnson Motel and the Rib Room in Fort Walton Beach.
In 1970 he and his family moved to Destin and opened the First National Bank of Destin, the city's first bank. In 1978 he built and owned the Indian Bayou Golf and Country Club and the Indian Bayou restricted subdivision, the most exclusive in Destin at that time. In 1983 he built the Shores Shopping Center in Destin. He loved fishing and was an avid golfer. Roger Clary was greatly admired and respected as a gentleman. He was sought after for his management skills and integrity in leadership. He was a fair man.
Each of his personal and business endeavors has filled a void in the community, enriching and improving the lifestyles of countless families and individuals. Mr. Clary was filled with innovative ideas and always had a forward-looking vision to make the world a better place to live. He will be greatly missed. Friends will always remember him as a man who had time to talk with everyone.
He is also survived by his two wonderful and devoted children: Barbara Clary Kelly of Fort Walton Beach, and Michael Clary of Destin, who are greatly involved in his businesses. He loved them and was greatly loved and admired by them. His two grandsons, Michael and Christopher Kelly of Fort Walton Beach were treated like sons and he loved them like a father.
Survivors also include his sister, Clara Cox Pinkstaff and brother-in-law Hayden Cox, both of Tampa, Fla.; cousin, Chuck Clary and wife Carolyn of Shalimar, Fla., and Chuck's children, Charlie Clary and wife Beth and their children Joanna and Laura, all of Destin, Carol Ann Clary of Destin, Libby Gabriel and her children Brian and Elliot, all of Destin; and cousin, Paul Clary of Shreveport, La.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at McLaughlin Mortuary.
Funeral services will be conducted at First Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach on Friday, May 12, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Glyn Lowery Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Beal Memorial Cemetery. Mr. Clary will lie in state two hours prior to services at the church.
Active pallbearers include Michael Kelly, Christopher Kelly, Gene Bass, Jim Stanley, Jim Liafau, Nelson Davis Jr. and Capt. Kelly Windes. Honorary pallbearers include Chris Johnson, Dwight Harrigan, Jimmy Vaughn, Joe Guidry, Dr. Andrew Giesen, Cliff Long, John McGee, Wilson Minger, Bob McGill, Spencer Mitchum, Sterl Rainer Sr., Dr. Gerald Hollingsworth, Bob White, Bubba Harris, J.W. Ward, Ernest Shahid, Col. Thornton Peck, Lowell Taylor, Walter Givhan, Dr. Yvette Novak, Judge Robert Barron, Judge Gillis Powell Sr., Larry Anchors, Cecil Anchors and Glenn Kilpatrick.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to either the American Diabetes Association, 5514 N. Davis Hwy., Suite C-111, Pensacola, FL 32503; or to the Childrens Advocacy Center, P.O. Box 1237, Niceville, FL 32588-1237.
McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Fort Walton Beach, entrusted with arrangements.
Published in the Northwest Florida Daily News on May 11, 2000
Mr. Clary was born on June 10, 1917, in Garden City, Fla., to Henry and Mabel Clary, who preceded him in death. As a child being raised on a farm across from Myrtle Creek, he developed a very strong work ethic and respect for life and people. He worked at a sawmill and turpentine plant owned by his grandfather, Davis Clary. He knew what hard times really were.
In 1935, he moved to south Okaloosa County, where he worked several jobs in those early years, including operating a shooting gallery and bowling alley. On March 24, 1940, he married Ella Fair White from Evergreen, Ala. They recently celebrated 60 years together and she was still his sweetheart.
From 1943 to 1946 he served in the U.S. Army's 42nd Rainbow Infantry, Engineering Division. He was on his way to Japan when the atomic bomb was dropped and the war ended. He received several merit awards and service ribbons and was honorably discharged. Once back at home he became actively involved in the development of south Okaloosa County and remained so until the time of his death. He had a vision for Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and Destin that has been one of the motivating forces in the area's rapid growth, making it a wonderful place to work, live and relax.
He served in 1957 and 1962 as president of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the board of directors of Humana Hospital, was president of the Air Force Armament Museum, and for 20 years on the Road and Bridge Committee of Destin Chamber of Commerce, to list a few.
In 1946, he and his wife Ella opened the first "ladies ready to wear" dress shop in Fort Walton Beach. In 1949 he built and operated Silver Beach Cottage and Motel in Destin. From 1950 to 1960 he and his brother-in-law owned and operated the Bay Lumber Co. and Sawmill in Niceville, Fla. In 1960 he built and operated the Howard Johnson Motel and the Rib Room in Fort Walton Beach.
In 1970 he and his family moved to Destin and opened the First National Bank of Destin, the city's first bank. In 1978 he built and owned the Indian Bayou Golf and Country Club and the Indian Bayou restricted subdivision, the most exclusive in Destin at that time. In 1983 he built the Shores Shopping Center in Destin. He loved fishing and was an avid golfer. Roger Clary was greatly admired and respected as a gentleman. He was sought after for his management skills and integrity in leadership. He was a fair man.
Each of his personal and business endeavors has filled a void in the community, enriching and improving the lifestyles of countless families and individuals. Mr. Clary was filled with innovative ideas and always had a forward-looking vision to make the world a better place to live. He will be greatly missed. Friends will always remember him as a man who had time to talk with everyone.
He is also survived by his two wonderful and devoted children: Barbara Clary Kelly of Fort Walton Beach, and Michael Clary of Destin, who are greatly involved in his businesses. He loved them and was greatly loved and admired by them. His two grandsons, Michael and Christopher Kelly of Fort Walton Beach were treated like sons and he loved them like a father.
Survivors also include his sister, Clara Cox Pinkstaff and brother-in-law Hayden Cox, both of Tampa, Fla.; cousin, Chuck Clary and wife Carolyn of Shalimar, Fla., and Chuck's children, Charlie Clary and wife Beth and their children Joanna and Laura, all of Destin, Carol Ann Clary of Destin, Libby Gabriel and her children Brian and Elliot, all of Destin; and cousin, Paul Clary of Shreveport, La.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at McLaughlin Mortuary.
Funeral services will be conducted at First Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach on Friday, May 12, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Glyn Lowery Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Beal Memorial Cemetery. Mr. Clary will lie in state two hours prior to services at the church.
Active pallbearers include Michael Kelly, Christopher Kelly, Gene Bass, Jim Stanley, Jim Liafau, Nelson Davis Jr. and Capt. Kelly Windes. Honorary pallbearers include Chris Johnson, Dwight Harrigan, Jimmy Vaughn, Joe Guidry, Dr. Andrew Giesen, Cliff Long, John McGee, Wilson Minger, Bob McGill, Spencer Mitchum, Sterl Rainer Sr., Dr. Gerald Hollingsworth, Bob White, Bubba Harris, J.W. Ward, Ernest Shahid, Col. Thornton Peck, Lowell Taylor, Walter Givhan, Dr. Yvette Novak, Judge Robert Barron, Judge Gillis Powell Sr., Larry Anchors, Cecil Anchors and Glenn Kilpatrick.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to either the American Diabetes Association, 5514 N. Davis Hwy., Suite C-111, Pensacola, FL 32503; or to the Childrens Advocacy Center, P.O. Box 1237, Niceville, FL 32588-1237.
McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Fort Walton Beach, entrusted with arrangements.
Published in the Northwest Florida Daily News on May 11, 2000
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