Obituaries

Clarence Wayne Loudermilch

Clarence Wayne Loudermilch: 1938 - 2026

Clarence Wayne Loudermilch (“Wayne”) a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, and friend, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord on September 29th, 2026, surrounded by those he loved.

Wayne was born on February 15, 1938, in Sylacauga, Alabama. He graduated from Anniston High School in 1956, earned his undergraduate degree in History from the University of Alabama in 1960, and his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1962.

After law school, Wayne proudly served his country in the United States Army Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps from 1962 until 1965. Following his military service, he moved to Mobile, Alabama, with his wife, Anne, and two young children, Bill and Amy. In 1965, Wayne joined the Mobile law firm of Hand, Arendall, Bedsole, Greaves & Johnston where he practiced as a litigator until 1971. During the final three years of his legal career he took a leave of absence to serve as Public Defender.

In 1971, Wayne made a defining transition — leaving the practice of law to devote himself full-time to building his successful mail-order fundraising business, America’s Best, along with several other entrepreneurial ventures. Through vision, discipline, and persistence, he built a life marked by independence, purpose, and generosity.

Wayne married Anne Weatherford on August 20, 1960, and together they raised a family and shared 48 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2008. After Anne’s death, Wayne found love again and on January 7, 2012, married Melisa McKim. Together they traveled, entertained friends and family, and supported Christian mission work and political causes dear to their hearts.

Wayne lived in Mobile, Alabama until 1984, then in Fairhope, Alabama until 2009. In that year he made Cashiers, North Carolina — where he had owned a second home since 1997— his full-time residence. In both Fairhope and Cashiers, his porch swing was his favorite spot: wine or a martini at sunset, coffee at sunrise, a book or Bible in hand, and often a friend or family member beside him. It was a place for prayer, conversation, laughter, and counsel — and earned him the affectionate family nickname, “the King of the Swing.”

Wayne loved travel, reading and writing, good food, history, and current events, but above all he loved God and he loved his family and friends. He was an active member of Christ Anglican Church in Cashiers, North Carolina. A founder of Here’s Life Africa, he served as one of its directors for more than two decades, supporting its mission of sharing the Gospel, fostering discipleship, training pastors, and planting churches across Tanzania, Malawi, and Uganda. He was a fierce patriot who loved his country deeply and gave generously of his time and resources to causes he believed would strengthen and bless America.

He was known for his clarity of thought, directness, loyalty, and steady leadership. He said what he meant and meant what he said — always with honesty, conviction, and care for the people he loved. In middle age he was fondly dubbed “The Sage,” as so many sought his counsel on matters of business, family, faith, and life.

He is survived by his wife, Melisa McKim Loudermilch; his son, Bill Loudermilch (Heidi); his daughter, Amy Loudermilch Bernert (Larry); six grandchildren — Drew Loudermilch Billow (Chase), Katie Loudermilch, Claire Loudermilch Foreman (Bryce), Avery Bernert Ramsey (Fuller), Allie Bernert Cottrell (Gray), and Lawrence Bernert; and six great-grandchildren — Wyatt, Wells, and Anne Weatherford Billow; Jay and Adair Ramsey; and Ben Cottrell.

He is also survived by his sisters, Patricia Loudermilch Smith and Janice Loudermilch Posey (Randy), and by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Anne Weatherford Loudermilch, who passed on December 23, 2008, and by his parents, Lucy and Cecil Loudermilch.

Wayne will be remembered for his wisdom, his strong convictions, his faithfulness, and his devotion to those he loved. While we grieve his passing, we take comfort in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ and rejoice in knowing that he now rests in perfect peace.

Please join us Friday, October 23rd from 5:30-8:00pm at the Loudermilch home in Cashiers to gather in honor of Wayne, and in the spirit of Wayne’s memoir, “Reflections of a Maverick,” to share any memories, stories, and reflections of a life well lived. A service celebrating Wayne’s life will be held at Christ Anglican Church in Cashiers on Saturday, October 24th at 11:00am. A lunch reception at the Halsted House at the High Hampton Inn will immediately follow the service. A private family service of interment will be held at a later date at the columbarium at Saint James Episcopal Church in Fairhope. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Wayne’s honor to Here’s Life Africa at www.HeresLifeAfrica.org or 2001 W. Plano Pkwy #3435, Plano, TX 75075. The family is deeply grateful for your prayers and for the love and support that have carried them through this time.

Online condolences can be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Loudermilch family.

To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit our flower store.