John Franklin Clardy

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 on Nov. 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, 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 and Bentley. He 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. He was also a certified nurseryman and active with the SC Nursery Association and the Greenhouse Growers Association during the course of his career. He 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.
The family will have a private graveside service only in light of ongoing COVID-19 concerns. 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, 6709 Hwy. 905, Conway, S.C. 29526.
Please sign an online guest book at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com
Goldfinch Funeral Home, Loris Chapel, is serving the family.