Thomas Clinton Clem, Jr. of LaGrange, Georgia, departed this life on April 13, 2018.  In his last days, he was lovingly cared for by family, friends and the caring team at West Georgia Hospice.

Born October 18, 1929, Tommy was the son of Thomas Clinton Clem, Sr. and Katie Belle Clem Bennett.  Tommy grew up in LaGrange and was a graduate of LaGrange High School.  Tommy worked for Gordon Potato Chip and Frito-Lay, and in retirement, he worked for the Troup County School System driving children on the school bus. He was an avid Granger fan and loved attending LaGrange High football games.  He was delighted to drive LHS players and members of the band to away games.

Tommy was a proud member of the Yaarab Shriners and served on the Mighty Motor Corps. He was passionate about raising money for the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, and he loved participating in the Shriners’ parades and entertaining children as Clem the Clown. Tommy was also a 32nd degree Mason, and he was a member of both the Elm City Grand Lodge of Georgia and the Union Grand Lodge of Georgia. 

Known affectionately as Paw-Paw to his descendants, Tommy loved his family and proudly displayed pictures of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to his friends and family.  He is survived by his son, Clint Clem; daughter, Lisa Clem Hudson and son-in-law Charles D. Hudson, Jr.; grandchildren, Chase Hudson and his wife Beth Tidwell Hudson, Mary Ellen Hansen and her husband Clifford Hansen, Thomas Hudson and his wife Megan Whitworth Hudson, and Florence Hand Hudson; and his great-grandchildren Easley Carlisle Hansen, Camilla Hays Hansen, Benjamin Reeves Hudson, and Mary Charles Hudson; and siblings Glenda Adcock, Bobby Johnson and his wife, Melinda.

A graveside memorial service and reception were held at the mausoleum at Shadowlawn Cemetery on Sunday celebrating his life. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children.