Earl Dean Clardy Sr., 67, died Oct. 13, 2015
Earl Dean Clardy Sr. was born Feb. 3, 1948, to Ennis Earl and Rudie Mae Clardy in Bastrop, Texas. He left his earthly body Oct. 13, 2015.
Earl Dean, as his family always referred to him, spent his early years in the East Austin neighborhood of Govalle. He loved sharing stories of his and his cousins antics running the fields that separated his grandparents, aunts and uncles. His parents relocated to South Austin when Earl was just entering middle school.
He graduated from Travis High School and from there attended West Texas State University in Canyon on a football scholarship. His love for football and the desire to coach began very early, and he set his goals and worked extremely hard to obtain them. While attending West Texas State, he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. This brotherhood was very dear to his heart. He was known as “Buda” to all his teammates and brothers.
Earl married Sandra Kay Morgan, his childhood sweetheart, in 1968. She always knew she was marrying a coach, but the commitment and drive that Earl had for his career could not be anticipated. He taught biology and coached whatever sport needed him for 31 years. He touched many young lives, and they were each and every one embedded memories with him.
He began his coaching career in Canyon and was able to come home to Austin and join AISD in 1976. He was an extremely loyal and dedicated man. He worked with the young people of McCallum High School for more than 15 years. He rounded out his career at Austin High and Bowie High.
In what little downtime he had, he loved to watch John Wayne movies, hunt, fish and feed people. It gave him so much joy to be with family, and from his German heritage, that meant he had to feed them. He took great pride in his children, and they took great pride in him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Ennis and Rudy Mae Clardy.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kay Clardy; children, Earl Dean Clardy Jr. and wife Abby, Christopher Brian Clardy and Misty Michelle Reid and husband Jakeup; grandchildren, Andrew Clardy, Kaylin Clardy, Isaac Reid and Eli Reid; brothers, Dennis Clardy and wife Ginger and Rick Clardy and wife Nan; and numerous nieces and nephews who leaned very hard on their “Unkie Earl.” Kay’s family always felt strongly that Earl was their brother, and their bonds were very strong.
Coach Clardy was a beloved son, father, spouse, uncle and coach and one of the best friends anyone could have. He has left a large void in many lives. To quote Woodrow McCall, “It’s been quite a party, ain’t it?”
A memorial visitation was Oct. 17 at Edgar & Jenkins Family Funeral Home, 109 N. Main St. in Burnet, (512) 756-4444. Go to jenkinsserves.com to offer condolences.
Memorial contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at www.jdrf.org.