Pastor Charles William Clary

charles clary

June 25, 1936 ~ August 23, 2022

Born in: Ballinger, Texas
Resided in: Fort Worth, Texas

Charles William Clary, 86, passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Memorial Service: 1 p.m. Monday, August 29, at Tate Springs Baptist Church, 4201 Little Rd. Arlington.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mission Fund at First Baptist Church, Springtown, Texas or the Emergency Family Care Fund at Tate Springs Baptist Church, Arlington, Texas.

Charles was born on June 25, 1936 in Ballinger, Texas to Earl Wade Hampton Clary and Julia Frances Elkins Clary. He served in the National Guard. Charles was a Baptist Pastor and worked as a teacher for many years. He was a Pastor at J Bar J Country Church in Ruidoso, New Mexico for 13 years; and a Pastor at Tate Springs Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas for 28 years.

Charles was preceded in death by his daughter, Jane Ellen Slagle on November 3, 2015; brother, John Clary; and sister, Susan Ivy.

Survivors: Wife of 64 years, Alice Clary; daughters, Jana Donaldson and husband, Russell, Lynne Clary, Jennifer Rampy and husband, Shawn, Laura Green and husband, Dale, Maxine Steele, and Marcia Clary; 29 grandchildren; and 47 great-grandchildren.

Services

Memorial Service: August 29, 2022 1:00 pm

Tate Springs Baptist Church
4201 Little Road
Arlington, TX 76016


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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Bro Charles was the best pastor in my life. Many prayers for all of his family . I know he will be greatly missed.

  2. Such a privilege and an honor to be a part of a family with such a loving, fun, Godly man…Thank you Lord for his life and how he loved God and loved people. He had a gift of making everyone he knew feel loved and special.
    I love you Uncle Charles and I love you and am praying for you Aunt Alice and cousins and family!
    Cathy

  3. Brother Charles was a Pastor that loved his sheep. He knew them all by name and heart. My family was blessed by his ministry and his family. He was always there when needed and always had the right words Foyt the situation. His sense of humor and camaraderie always made it a joy to be in fellowship with him. From the pulpit he taught us the Bible and always invited the lost to be saved. We look forward to homecoming in heaven with him and ask God to comfort the family with this earthly loss. We Love you all.

  4. Brother Charles was my pastor for many years. He was there for me during the best and worst of times. When my Daddy died, I missed him so much. Brother Charles would give me “Daddy hugs” that always made me feel better. He gave the best hugs! He loved all of our babies. When babies would cry or kids run around the sanctuary, Brother Charles would assure us that it was ok….he said these babies need to be comfortable in church and to just let them be kids. What a precious heart he had for his flock. Does anyone remember when we were having a high attendance Sunday or a fundraiser (I can’t remember the occasion exactly), he said he would get on top of the church roof and sing. Well, he DID! He was/is an awesome guy. We love you, Brother Charles. Tami (Eaves) Ditto

  5. Every time I was around Bro Charles, he made me feel like I was the most important person the world and that my work and ideas were respected and appreciated. I was amazed how he would learn someone’s name the first time he met them and call them by name the next time he saw them. That is truly a rare gift.

    One of my favorite memories of Bro Charles was when I was standing in line at the gas station. He saw me, but I had not seen him. He butted right into the line beside me and started singing, ‘If you got the money honey, I got the time…’ in full voice. I have laughed about that many times and remember trying to explain to the cashier that he was the pastor at my church!

    I could tell you a million more stories about how he was a blessing to me and my family and how much we love him. I know he was greeted by thousands of people whose lives were changed because of him when he arrived in Heaven. I look forward to the day when we will all be together again.
    Much love to Alice and the family.

  6. CandleImageMy Dad Terry & I are keeping you all in our prayers during this time. I don’t know how Charles did it, but he and you/Alice were always there for the Ake family with blessings of happiness as well as blessings during our losses. Brother Charles was a true Angel here on earth – he certainly earned his place standing next to our Father.
    So very sorry for your loss.
    Sherry

  7. Brother Charles was my favorite of all time pastor! He and my dad were born the same year and when my dad died in 1997, Charles was like a second dad. He would give great hugs and always make people feel loved and special! I loved listening to his teaching sermons that helped us all grow closer to the Lord. I would always leave there on Sunday morning with a renewed faith and commitment to the Lord! We were the most blessed church family at TSBC to have had him for 28 years. I love Alice and all of the girls (and son in laws), so much. I can’t imagine what heaven is like today!
    I love you Charles Clary and will never forget how you helped me grow through Christs word! Your example was Christlike, you are so loved!

  8. CandleImagePastor Charles was a very special man. His sense of humor was very unique and he was such a joy to know as a pastor and a friend. Heaven has truly gained a loved resident.

  9. CandleImageBro. Charles was the most loving and compassionate Pastor I have ever had in my life and was a total example of what a Shepherd watching over a flock should be. Many years ago when my children and I were going through some extremely rough times, he was there with help—spiritually and financially in keeping me secure in my home. I will never forget his kindness and prayers for our situation.
    He will be missed but Heaven is that much richer today and comfort comes from knowing we will see him again.
    Prayers for Alice and the family during this time. May God hold you all so close and give you Comfort.

  10. Pastor Clary lead me and countless others to Jesus. I love him and his family dearly, and my thoughts and prayers are with them all.

  11. Brother Charles was an amazing pastor. He was one of the most compassionate people I have ever met. He was my pastor at Tate Springs for 25 years and taught me so much. His hugs were fantastic and made you feel so loved. His laughter contagious and his smile would light up the room. He shepherded his church better than anyone could. If you needed him, he was always there for you. We all have amazing Charles Clary stories that can always make us smile and still feel his love. He was larger than life and truly touched countless peoples’ lives. We will all miss him but rejoice in the truth that we know he is singing with Jesus now.

  12. CandleImageI knew this family very well. Such fond memories of living down the street from them plus growing up at Tate Springs. The world has lost an amazing person. Prayers to the family

  13. CandleImageEverything I could possibly say has already been said by everyone else and I echo those feelings. His hugs had healing powers. Charles and Alice are the finest people on this earth and our family loves them dearly. Our loss is Heavens gain. I can hear him now leading the glorious celebration. May everyone’s memories and words give Alice, the family and all who loved him peace and comfort. 💔🙏🏼💔🙏🏼

  14. We have been blessed by a lot of sweet pastors over the years. Moving around while in the Navy, we had 5 and dearly loved Pastor Jim Schneider in Groton, CT. When we settled in Arlington in1971, we were members at a small church. Then bought a new house near Tate Springs. We joined in 1978 and Charles Clary was our pastor for over 23 years. I agree with all the comments above-he was always interested in you and your family, knew everyone by name, loved fiercely and gave great hugs.
    One time we were behind financially, needed a house payment and groceries. I was told later that he gave most of it from his own pocket. He just said, someday, pay it forward.
    When we moved in this house about 1978, our yard had to be graded, leveled out and then hydro-mulched with grass. Tom had back surgery and could not do the work. Bro. Charles, Alice and their girls came over with rakes and shovels and spent hours getting the yard ready! I remember Ms. Alice and I making lemonade, tea, bologna sandwiches, chips and whatever else I had for everyone for lunch! He and his family were so willing and had the hearts of a servant, for sure.
    He loved to play the piano, sing the old hymns, play Texas “42” dominoes and laugh loudly.
    God bless you Clary family and know how much he was loved and what an impact for the Lord he made with his sermons from the Word of God and his love for all of us!
    Tom and Vickie Black

  15. Brother Charles was one of a kind. He was such a wonderful preacher and man. He was my pastor for 28 wonderful years. You never knew what he would do next. He could preach such an awesome sermon , sing, play piano, and do
    Anything else he wanted to do ❗️
    I loved and admired him so much as well as Alice. He was such an example to everyone in the way , he lived his life. You will be gone but never forgotten ❗️
    He will always have a place in my heart❤️ Rest In Peace now with your
    Heavenly Father and loved ones❗️
    Prayers and love go out to Alice and family🙏
    Love and prayers, Patsy Rabe

  16. It’s so hard to say good by to such an outstanding man. He and his wife Alice are the best example of evangelization I have ever known. God himself led me directly to them just before my entire life was about to fall apart. I was not a part of their church family or their own family but from the very first moment I met Alice she made me feel so loved as did Charles. They helped grow as a Christian and loved me and my three children as we had never been loved before. I came to find out that everyone that came into their lives they treated the same way. They have a way of making you feel like you are the only one they love so deeply when infact they simply love everyone this way and it is so apparent that that love comes from the Author of love … God the Father and Jesus His son and the Holy Spirit. Charles will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. One day we will all be together at the Heavenly banquet He has prepared for us. I ask God to comfort is precious family as they walk the road of grief. God be beside them, God be in front of them, God be behind them.
    Peace and All Good, Bonnie Nenninger

  17. CandleImageOne of my earliest memories is when Pastor Clary scooped me up from the pew where I sat (I couldn’t have been more than 3 at the time) and held me before the congregation to tell them I would bring a toy for the next Sunday’s sermon/lesson. The next Sunday, I brought my Barbie (LOL!), but that’s all I can remember about it. He later officiated my wedding when I was 21. He was an amazing person!

  18. CandleImageThere are so many memories . He gave me a bible when I was pregt for my son. We have been a member of j-j since. One day during singing my son let out a Yee haw. That was 18 years ago. He is forever know. As the Yee haw boy. He is now grown and in college but his tiny boots still sit at the front of j-j. The Clary’s hold a very special place in my heart and I will never forget the love and joy that these two showed to my family. Heaven has truly gained an Angel. God bless you Alice and family. He was a great example of how we are supposed to live in God’s love.

    • CandleImageNo one that I have ever known enjoyed making joyful noises more than Charles Clary!
      There are these words in “The King is Coming” Heaven’s Choir is Now Assembled, Charles Clary is singing Amazing Grace!

  19. The first time I met Brother Charles was in 1980 when my family moved to Arlington from Georgia and I was to be interviewed for a job at Tate Springs Christian School. I was told I would have to meet with the pastor of the church. On the appointed day I was dressed to the “nines” for the interview and he came into his office from playing racket ball in shorts/tennis shoes, etc. and put his feet upon the desk. He asked how he could help me and I sheepishly said I was to meet the pastor for an job interview. He said “Well I’m it!!” Boy was I surprised – all my pastors were always in suits. But that was Brother Charles – so down to earth and so loving to make you feel comfortable. Over the years our family was ministered to by him through good times and not-so-good times. His legacy will live on and may his family be comforted by all the memories from all of us who loved him.

  20. I am a lifelong Methodist and was not a member of Charles flock I guess- but I was in Arlington West Rotary with Brother Clary and I felt in many ways he was my Pastor. He witnessed to his faith all his life and I loved being around him.

  21. I first heard Charles Clary on the radio: Hope for Today! He just was so ‘real’ that I knew that was going to be where I visited. Well, Tate Springs was definitely ‘Home’! Even though I don’t go there now, it will always be part of me…. Brudder Charles, as my kids called him, will always be in my heart! Thank you Lord for this family and thank you for our ‘Hope for Today’

  22. Bro. Charles was one of the sweetest pastors I ever had. He was such a fine man and a ray of sunshine to all of those he encountered. I know he will be missed by many. What a testament to God’s faithfulness in this man. Prayers for his sweet family. Well done Bro. Charles!

  23. Kirk and I moved to Arlington in 1986 and joined Tate Springs in 1987. I began working on staff in the Education Office a year or so later. Bro. Charles was a wonderful boss, mentor and friend. Our favorite pastor ever! He had the kindest heart and exemplified joy in everything he did. He never met a stranger that he didn’t tell them about Jesus. An amazing person, he was bigger than life. When we would see him the last few years he would give me a big bear hug and say “Hello Darlin’”. I will never forget that. We loved Charles Clary dearly, and he will always be in our hearts. We know that he is playing that heavenly piano and singing with Jesus now and rejoice that we will one day see him again. Alice and family, we love you and pray that God will comfort your hearts, give you strength and peace in the days to come.

  24. Pastor Charles Clary was the Pastor I sat under at Tate Springs from age 15 until I married my husband at the age of 28. I married a Pastor and after him, Charles Clary is the most passionate pastor and preacher of God’s Word I have ever known. My favorite sermon is when he planted an African violet as a visual. This was before the large sanctuary was built. What a blessing he was to me and my family. I have thought about him many times over the years. So glad to have known him and his family.

  25. I knew Charles Clary as Coach Clary at Lanier High School in Austin, Texas. He was a coach that everyone looked up to. He coached basketball and taught math. I never remember seeing him without a smile. I remember his sense of humor and interaction with his students. We really loved that man! Prayers for his family. May he rest in peace.

  26. My wife and I attended Tate Springs in mid 90’s. My wife was sick and we moved to Missouri so she could be with her family. During her funeral Paster Charles attended and spoke. He said everyone was saying “Linda was”, but “she is!” Never forget that. Charles Clary was and IS a great man, I’ll always be grateful to know him.


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