Andrew Lee “Andy” Clough Jr., 81, of Blackshear, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, May 27, 2023, at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross, surrounded by his family.
Born January 14, 1942, in Waycross, he was a son of the late Andrew L. Clough Sr. and Dorothy McGauley Clough. A lifelong resident of Pierce County, he was a 1960 graduate of Blackshear High School and attended Georgia Tech for two years before going to work for Lockheed Martin as an engineer. After a short time, he was called home to the family farm.
Since then, he became a devoted steward to the land and trees. He was a fourth generation farmer and raised the fifth and sixth generation to appreciate the farm life. He was the longtime owner and operator of Clough Pecan Company. Starting with an eight-acre field, he grew to be the largest pecan grower in Pierce County. He became one of the most knowledgeable pecan farmers in the industry and developed and patented the Excel and Eclipse Pecans. He has passed his expertise down to his children and grandchildren. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Georgia Pecan Growers and was named the 2015 Pierce County Chamber of Commerce Farmer of the Year.
But above his farming and business, his family was his greatest accomplishment. He loved nothing more than to watch his pool fill up with family spending time together and having fun. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, watching the news and bragging on his family.
He was a lifetime member of First Baptist Church of Blackshear and attended the MISFITS Sunday school class.
A pillar of his community, he helped others anytime he could. He will be greatly missed in Pierce County and across the state.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Jerry Tanner; his brother, Wayne Clough and brother-in-law, Stephen Waters Jr.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley T. Clough, Blackshear; two daughters, Renee Choate and Joni Byrd (Steven); six sons, Andrew Clough (Edurne), Jaime Tanner (Cyndi), Archie Clough (Mysti), John Tanner (Roxanne), Chris Clough (Susan) and Matthew Clough (Ashley); 21 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Marilyn Waters, Blackshear; sister-in-law, Melba Clough, Blackshear and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, at First Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, from the First Baptist Church in Blackshear.
Interment will follow in the Blackshear City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Andy Clough Scholarship Fund for local ag students from Pierce County. Mail to Clough Pecan Company, 3417 U.S. Highway 84, Blackshear, Georgia 31516.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.
Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.
