Clara Salley McAlhany

Augusta, GA – A Celebration of Life gathering for Clara Salley McAlhany of Augusta will be held Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors in Augusta. The family receive friends from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Clara McAlhany died on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

Clara was born May 11, 1947, in Augusta, Georgia. Growing up and living most of her life around Augusta, Clara was a 1965 graduate of the Academy of Richmond County. After graduation, she furthered her education at Winthrop University and graduated from Augusta College with her bachelor’s in mathematics. She continued her education at Georgia Southern College, where she received her Master of Education and Specialist degrees.

For all who crossed paths with Clara, her love of learning and children were clear to see. This love and passion translated into 30 years as a teacher. During her time in the classroom, Clara impacted lives across multiple counties, school districts, and children of all ages. After retiring, her days were spent with friends, family, and four-legged friends, especially Pops. Clara got great joy from reading and spending time with others. Her warm smile and contagious laugh welcomed any and all with open arms.

Clara married the love of her life, Daniel Monroe McAlhany, Jr. in 1969. The two enjoyed a love story that spanned 56 years of cross-country moves, quiet dinners at home, countless date nights looking for street light outages, and two loving children. Clara’s heart was to help people. She always led with kindness and compassion to meet the needs of others. Her love and kindness were an overflow of the love and kindness she experienced first-hand from her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A long-time member of First Baptist Church Augusta, Clara didn’t just believe in Jesus, she lived her life for Him, taking every opportunity to tell others about His love and salvation.

Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Daniel Monroe McAlhany, Jr. and their dearly-loved children, Daniel Monroe McAlhany III “Trip” (Marlene) of Statesboro, Georgia, and Dana McAlhany Hutcherson (Jeremy) of Cocoa Beach, Florida; grandson Daniel Novak McAlhany (Mae) of West Haven, Utah; brother George Thomas Salley (Kathy); sister Mary Salley Hensley; sister-in-law Brenda Reed Salley; and three very special grand dogs Clark, Nash, and Rebel.

She is preceded in death by her parents J.A. and Anna Salley and brother Robert Salley.

The family requests casual attire for the gathering. In lieu of flowers, please help us celebrate her life on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 2:00-4:00 pm at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com