Ray Moore Clower, a former teacher and football coach at Gulfport High School, passed away on November 27, 2011 at the age of 58. He was a faithful member of East Fork Baptist Church and a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend. He is survived by his wife, Chris Clower, his mother, Homerline Wells Clower, two daughters, three sisters, four grandchildren, and numerous relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, H.G. “Jerry” Clower, a famous country comedian, one son, Wesley Clower, and his paternal and maternal grandparents.
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A Life of Service and Dedication
Ray Moore Clower was born on February 14, 1953 in Clarksdale, Mississippi to H.G. “Jerry” Clower and Homerline Wells Clower. He grew up in Yazoo City, Mississippi, where he attended junior high school and high school. He was a good friend and a talented athlete, playing football, basketball and baseball. He also excelled in academics and was involved in various clubs and activities. He suffered a tragic car accident in high school, but he recovered and graduated in 1971.
He went on to attend Mississippi State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education. He then pursued a career as a teacher and a football coach, working at Baker High School for five years and Gulfport High School for 25 years. He retired from Gulfport High School in 2006, having touched the lives of many students and athletes with his passion, wisdom and humor. He was well-respected and admired by his colleagues and peers, and he received several awards and honors for his service and dedication.
A Faithful and Loving Family Man
Ray Moore Clower was a devout Christian and a faithful member of East Fork Baptist Church, where he served on several committees, was a music leader and a Sunday school teacher. He was also a devoted husband to his wife, Chris Clower, whom he married in 1976. They had three children, Chantel, Wesley and Sarah, and four grandchildren, Eli, Tyler, Sirela and Fisher. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed spending time with them. He was also a loyal son to his mother, Homerline Wells Clower, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 91. He was a supportive brother to his three sisters, Amy, Sue and Katy, and a caring uncle to his nieces and nephews. He was also a proud son of his father, H.G. “Jerry” Clower, who was a renowned country comedian and a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He inherited his father’s sense of humor and storytelling skills, and often entertained his family and friends with his jokes and anecdotes.
A Legacy of Joy and Inspiration
Ray Moore Clower left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He was a kind, generous, funny and humble man who always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude. He was a role model and a mentor to many, and he inspired others with his faith, courage and perseverance. He faced many challenges and hardships in his life, but he never gave up or lost hope. He lived his life with joy and gratitude, and he shared his love and happiness with others. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who loved him.
According to Legacy.com, the visitation for Ray Moore Clower was held on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at East Fork Baptist Church from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. The funeral service followed at 10 a.m. at the same location. The burial was in the East Fork Cemetery. The services were under the direction of Jones Funeral Home in McComb. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to East Fork Baptist Church. To share sympathies and condolences, people could visit the online guest book at www.jonesfamilyfuneralservices.net.
