Rev. Albert Clardy, 80, has died this week. He was born to the late Emmett Hughes Clardy and Barbara Louise Shelby Clardy.
He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Avanell Harris Clardy; his daughters Tonya Renee Owens (Thom), Virginia Beach, VA, and Amanda Faye Martin (Steve), Lewisburg; his granddaughters: Kayla Janea Jackson (Dustin), Glasgow, Olivia Lee Pendergrass (Cody), Russellville, Rachel Elizabeth Owens, Monroe, NC, Madison Ann Owens, Lexington, Lindsey Katherine Owens, Virginia Beach, and Lauren Renee Owens, Blacksburg, VA; great-grandchildren, Daniel Blake Vibbert, Addalynn Grace Jackson, Hudson Reed Pendergrass, and Everett Pierson Pendergrass; his brother, Bobby Lee Clardy, Dover, TN; his sister, Barbara Ann Taylor (preceded in death by husband, Hubert Wayne Taylor), Clarksville; his sister-in-law, Rose Clardy, Dyersburg, TN; and an ex-sister-in-law that we still consider as family, Sylvia Clardy, Clarksville, TN. He was preceded in death by a brother, Harry Hughes Clardy.
Albert was the owner and operator of Clardy’s Meat Processing in Lewisburg for over 10 years. He did horse-shoeing and breaking/training horses for several years. He worked as a contract manager of Wranglers Campground in Land Between the Lakes for several years and designed a couple of the camping areas and started several new programs for the horse loving campers. He loved enjoying the beauty of God’s creation and the special beauty of each season while horseback riding. He loved hunting and trot line fishing and at one time had a commercial fishing license.
He was proud that God allowed him to be the pastor of so many local churches. He was called to preach and ordained at Antioch Baptist Church. The first church he served as pastor was Pleasant View Baptist Church in Kirkmansville of the Christian County Association. From there he went to New Hope Baptist in Clifty and Calvary Baptist Church in Morris, IL where God opened the door for him to start a mission in Mazon, IL.
He came back to Logan County for health reasons, but God allowed him to recover and he was called as the pastor of Gupton’s Grove Baptist Church and from there to Beechland Baptist Church. While there, other serious health issues arose and he was out of the ministry for a few years.
After health improvements allowed, he entered the pastorate once again as the pastor of Buchanan Baptist Church in Buchanan, TN near Paris. From there we moved back to the family’s home place on Duncan Ridge Road near Lewisburg. He was honored to be called to pastor New Midway Baptist Church in Butler County. From there he was called to Delmont Baptist Church near Cadiz.
Health conditions again became an issue. He resigned planning to retire and possibly do supply work. However, God had other plans for his life. Antioch was without a pastor and in need of spiritual help and healing. In spite of his health issues and limitations, God used him there for the last few years of his active life. He was called to preach while a young man at Antioch, and Antioch was the last church he pastored. A great starting place and a great ending place for his ministry. We are thankful that God has allowed so many wonderful people to be a part of his life.
A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Price Funeral Home, Inc. located at 252 E. Green St., Lewisburg, with Bro. Ronnie Forrest officiating. Interment will be in Antioch Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, and again from noon until the time of service on Saturday.
Price Funeral Home, Inc. of Lewisburg is proud and honored to serve the family of Albert Leonard Clardy.