John F Clardy

July 3, 2020

On Friday, July 3, 2020, the Clardy family lost a great husband, a wonderful father, a loving brother, and a steadfast friend. John Franklin Clardy passed away unexpectedly at the age of 65 after a very brief battle with COVID-19. John was born in Loris, SC on November 30, 1954 to the late James and Pauline Clardy. While attending Loris High School his interest in agriculture grew, and he met his lifetime love Teresa. After attending Clemson University and graduating from Horry-Georgetown Technical College, John began working for the family business and later owned and operated Clardy Nursery in Loris, SC until his retirement in 2004. John never met a plant he couldn't grow and a person he didn't love talking with about them. One of John's greatest accomplishments was being a father to not only his own three children, but to countless foster children that he and Teresa sheltered over the years. He treasured his role as Papa to Teresa Watts and Chris Strickland, of Loris, and their children Madison (6) and Bentley (2). John also enjoyed spoiling his beloved dogs in his free time. A man of strong faith and principles, John was a former deacon and devoted member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. John was also a certified nurseryman and active with the SC Nursery Association and the Greenhouse Growers Association during the course of his career. John was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge and the Horry County Watershed Board of Directors. John is survived by his wife of 45 years Teresa Clardy, of Loris; his children Abby Clardy, of Loris, Jamie Clardy and partner Wesley Connell, of Columbia, and Joshua Clardy, of Loris; his brother William Clardy and wife Jessie, of Loris; and one niece and nephew; his brother-in-law Darry Watts and wife Karen, of Conway; nephews Drew Watts and wife Meghan, of Delaware and Dalton Watts, of Delaware. A graveside service with Masonic Rites will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, August 12, 2020, from Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Mack Hutson officiating. The growth of John's church was a cause that was close to his heart, and the family asks that memorials be sent to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Building Fund at 6709 Hwy. 905 Conway, SC 29526. Please sign an online guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Loris Chapel is serving the family.