Donald Larry “Bear” Clement passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the age of 63.

Larry was born on August 24, 1962, to Mary LaVerne “Bernie” Clement (Pike) and Donald Lee Clement in Charlotte, North Carolina. They soon moved back to their native Atlanta, and Larry spent his elementary school years in the Sylvan Hills neighborhood on the south side of the city. The family then moved east to the Stone Mountain area. He spent most of his adult life in Covington and Newborn.

Growing up, he loved riding bicycles, motorcycles, skateboards, and even lawn mowers. If you could race it, he would drive it. This passion grew into a love of classic cars, and he learned to repair and restore vehicles in his parents’ garage. Over the years he restored and souped many cars—Chevelles, Road Runners, pickup trucks, and finally an old panel truck that he had he just recently parted with.

Larry played football throughout his school years and helped lead Redan High School to the State Football Championship in 1979. After attending community college, he decided to work with his hands and began a career as a roofer, first with DeKalb Roofing and later owning and operating his own roofing business. Along the way, he picked up the nickname “Bear,” the name by which so many knew him. He later worked for Newton County and eventually joined the Town of Newborn, where he spent 15 years caring for the town and its people and left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Bear built a wonderful life with Debbie, his loving wife of more than 28 years. Their love for and support of one another were examples to everyone. He was “Daddy” to Desirae and “Pawpaw” to his grandchildren and “Uncle Bear” to his nieces. His family also included included many cats, dogs, horses, and goats over the years. The barn he built became the setting for countless happy moments shared with family and friends.

Bear had strong values, and he lived true to them. He was firm and he was fair and he had a big heart. He also had a mischievous sense of humor that he brought with him everywhere. He worked hard to provide for his family and to help make Newborn a wonderful place to live. He supported Debbie’s many interests, from horses to gardening. When his mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he stood by her throughout her long journey—helping with household chores, bills, doctor appointments, and whatever else was needed. More important than any of that, he loved her deeply and made sure she always had support, always had a hand to hold, and always knew she was loved.

And in the end, Bear knew that he was loved—by Debbie, by his family, by his friends, and by the town of Newborn. Bear is survived by his wife, Debbie; his daughter, Desirae Postelle (Chris); and his grandchildren, Mason (Alex), Ella, Patrick and Frankie. He is also survived by his father, Don Clement (Debbie); his brother, David Clement (Lori); his nieces Molly and Ella; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother; his dear Aunt Arlene Bishop (Pike); and his close cousin Jackie Unger (Bishop).