Charles "Derek" Clary, 55, died Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at his home.

A native of Cleveland County, he was the son of the late Richard and Pauline Freiershaus Clary. Derek was a man who loved to spend time with his beloved daughter, Courtney and wife, Kathy. He graduated from Crest High School and Western Carolina in 1990 with a degree in finance. He also graduated from the police academy in 1992 and served with the Forest City Police Department for many years. He loved to listen to music, play sports and run on the treadmill. He worked for Corvell Insurance Company and had a passion contributing to his daughter's school and assisting children with special needs. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Kathy Greene Clary; beloved daughter, Courtney Clary, both of the home; brother, Chris Clary and wife Cheryl of York, SC; father and mother-in-law, Miles and Betty Earl Greene of Mooresboro; sisters-in-law, Debra Lovelace and husband Jeff of Simpsonville, SC and Susan Greene of Columbia, SC; brother-in-law, Kenneth Greene and wife Rose of Simpsonville, SC; nephews, Aiden and Owen Greene; and nieces, Ava Greene , Sydney Lovelace and husband Matt McGiffin and Riley Lovelace.

A graveside service will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, August 11, 2023 in Cleveland Memorial Park, with the Rev. Allen Davis officiating. The family will receive friends following the service, in the cemetery. Funeral services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center. www.claybarnette.com