Richard L. Clem
Richard L. Clem, 77, died March 31, 2008 at his residence, the son of Fred C. and Blanche Wymer Clem.
He was born at Mt Olive in Shenandoah County, west of Strasburg on Sept 22, 1930.
He graduated in 1948 from Middletown High School, during school he played shortstop for the baseball team and was voted All Star in the years of 1947 and 48. Richard and his three brothers, James, Eugene and Charles were inducted into the Frederick County Hall of Fame on September 29, 2006.
Richard was a staff sergeant in the Army, from 1951 to 1953; he was a front line medic in Korea from July 1952 to January 1953 with 3rd Division. He was also in the Air Force reserve for six years.
On December 20, 1953 he married Nancy Broy at Reliance U.M.C. Surviving with his wife are: son, Gary R. Clem and wife Tina J. of Middletown; daughter, Karen A. Strosnider and husband Douglas M. of Winchester; brother, F. Eugene Clem of Stephens City; grandchildren, Richard R. Clem and Katie J. Clem both of Middletown, Matthew D. Strosnider and Jason C. Strosnider both of Winchester. He was preceded in death by two brothers, James W. Clem and Charles M. Clem.
He was the produce manager for Acme Super Market in Winchester for thirty and a half years, worked for Tony's Supermarket in Stephens City for five years, worked for F&M Bank in Winchester as a courier for five years and worked for Stephens City and Jones Funeral Homes in Winchester for twenty years.
Richard was a member of Reliance United Methodist Church since 1953, he sang in the choir and sang bass for the Reliance Quartet for forty years, taught Sunday school for over thirty years, was charter member of Reliance United Methodist Men's group, and was presented membership in the Society of John Wesley Fellows in January of 1989. He was a life time member of VFW Post 9646 in Stephens City and Post 2123 in Winchester, was the captain of the Honor Guard since 2002 and a member since 1996.
Richard bowled at Health Center lanes in Winchester for 30 years in B league and church league, was president of B league for four years. He played softball in Winchester and Stephens City for 30 years with Sunnyside Presbyterian Church and Reliance United Methodist Church. After retiring in 1995 he enjoyed doing volunteer work at his church, the Society of St. Andrews, and the VA Center in Stephens City. He was a sports fan who enjoyed routing for the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtic, Green Bay Packers and the University of Virginia.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2008 at Reliance United Methodist Church with the Rev. Sharon L. Forbes, Rev. Dr. William N. Wade, Rev. Wendell Schurtz and Rev. John E. Lock officiating. Burial will be at Reliance Cemetery with Military Honors by VFW Post 2123.
A visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home in Stephens City.
Pallbearers will be Donald Petty, Duane Petty, Gene Jenkins, Troy Oates, Jamie Judy and Wayne Dick.
Honorary Pallbearers are the Reliance United Methodist Men.
Memorial contributions may be made to VFW Post 2123 Honor Guard, 200 Sulky Dr., Winchester, VA 22602 or Reliance U.M.C., 1571 Reliance Road,Reliance, VA 22649.
Arrangements are being handled by Jones Funeral Home in Stephens City, VA.