In Memorial—Andrew Lee Clough, Jr.

Andrew Lee “Andy” Clough, Jr., age 81, of Blackshear, passed away peacefully on the morning of 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 graduated from Blackshear High School in 1960 and attended Georgia Tech for two years before working 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 of the land and trees. He was a fourth-generation farmer and raised the fifth and sixth generations to appreciate farm life. He was the longtime owner and operator of Clough Pecan Company. Starting with an 8-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’ pecan varieties. He has passed his expertise down to his children and grandchildren. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Georgia Pecan Growers Association 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 the 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 of Blackshear; 2 daughters, Renee Choate and Joni Byrd (Steven); 6 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 of Blackshear; sister-in-law, Melba Clough of Blackshear; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A funeral service will occur on May 30, 2023, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Blackshear. Burial will follow in the Blackshear City Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the service on Tuesday.

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 US 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.