With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Deacon Leroy Penny McClary, 93, of Salters, SC, widower of Mary McClary, who passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025.

Life Reflections

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only but, unto all them also that love his appearing." 2Timothy 4-7

Deacon Leroy Penny McClary was born in Williamsburg County, South Carolina on July 7, 1932. He was the seventh child born to the union of the late Ceasar and Lula Murray McClary. He was peacefully called up to his heavenly home to rest from his labor during the early morning of Monday, July 14, 2025. Penny or Deacon Penny, as he was affectionately known by all, attended the public schools of Williamsburg County. He served in the United States Army.

Deacon McClary's extensive and impressive Christian journey began at an early age at Union Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a faithful member until he relocated to Rhode Island. In 1958, he joined Ebenezer Baptist Church, he attended Sunday School, later becoming the Adult Sunday School teacher. He also served as Chairman of Youth Advisors, Assistant Chairman of Christian Education Board, and a member of the Pulpit Committee. Penny was ordained as a Deacon on December 12, 1965, under the leadership of Rev. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor. He took his vow as a deacon very seriously and after several years became the Vice Chairman and ultimately Chairman of the Deacon Board until he moved back to South Carolina in 1992.

Deacon McClary married the late Mary Lee Shaw McClary in April of 1956. He worked on the railroad for seven years, before moving to Providence, Rhode Island, which became his home for thirty-five years. While living in Rhode Island, he was employed with C.R. Brunstrom, Inc. for many years and later became employed with General Dynamic Electric Boat Company for twenty-eight years, where he received many certificates and awards before retiring in 1990. He loved gardening and especially loved his grape vines and planting sweet potatoes. Penny loved children and was mentor, godfather, advisor and confidante to many of his nieces, nephews, and community children.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: his wife, Mary Lee Shaw McClary; his siblings, Alice McClary, Carrie McElveen, Frances Hill, Thomas McClary and Ernest McClary.

Loved ones left to cherish his memories are: one daughter, Edie Mae Robinson of Columbus, GA; a special niece and caregiver reared as a daughter, Kim Cole of Fayetteville, NC; a niece and caregiver, Tracy Hill Way of Philadelphia, PA; his siblings, Amanda Parham of Providence, RI, Elizabeth Armstrong of Stratford, CT and Ceasar McClary of Salters, SC; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Deacon Leroy Penny McClary's Christian way of living had such a profound effect on those whose lives he touched that his legacy would live on in their hearts forever.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Kingstree, SC. 843-354-2292.