William "Ray" Clinard - School Board Chairman Dies At 73

William "Ray" Clinard was born September 22, 1940, in Springfield, Tennessee, to the late William Emmett and Verlie Sutton Clinard. He died on April 5, 2014. Clinard was the Hendry County School Board Chairman.

Ray lived in South Florida for 70 years, with the past 50 years being in Clewiston, Florida. He graduated from Belle Glade High School in 1959, and proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1959-1963.

He married the love of his life, Anna Postell Clinard on August 28, 1964. He was employed by United States Sugar Corporation for 23 years (1963-1986).

Ray thoroughly enjoyed working in the wholesale and retail automotive business and he was a licensed automobile dealer for many years. This was passed on to his son, Tod. Ray beamed with pride watching Tod walk in his footsteps. He always bragged on Tod and never missed the chance to express how very proud of him he was.

He loved to help with the youth of his community. He was proud to serve on the Hendry County School Board from 2008 until the time of his passing. He was the chairman of the board and represented district 5 in Clewiston. He was a very dedicated school board member, and he attended as many school functions as he possibly could.

Any student who visited with Mr. Clinard would always be asked the famous questions, "How is school going?" and "How are your grades?". His strong interest in the academic success of students in this community was passed on to his daughter, Kristi. He was extremely proud of her accomplishments and her desire to touch the lives of students on a daily basis.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, William Emmett and Verlie Sutton Clinard and daughter, Connie Clinard.

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Anna; two children, William Tod Clinard and his wife, Yvonne, and Kristi Clinard Durance and her husband, Kevin, all from Clewiston, Florida. He has one brother, Milton Thomas Clinard and his wife Marilyn of Macon, Georgia; two brother-in-laws, Wilbur Postell and his wife, Ann of Clewiston, Florida and Dennis Postell and his wife, Mary of Punta Gorda, Florida.

He was a very proud Papa to five grandchildren, Tiffany, Yvette, and Garrett Clinard and Kacie and Kody Durance; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Celebration of his life was held Tuesday, April 8, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. in Evangel Assembly of God Church with Pastor Gary Corley officiating, interment immediately followed the service in Ridgelawn Cemetery. Visitation was held Monday, April 7, 2014, from 6-8 p.m. in Akin-Davis Funeral Home in Clewiston.