Former KKK Imperial Wizard Who Became an Evangelist for Racial Reconciliation Dies Suddenly at Home

CBN News Staff : Oct 28, 2014
CBN News

After getting radically saved, Johnny Lee Clary went on to become the first Caucasian elder in the Church of God in Christ, a predominantly African-American denomination.

(Baton Rouge, LA)—[CBN News] People across the world are remembering evangelist Rev. Johnny Lee Clary, a former imperial wizard of the Klu Klux Klan who experienced a radical conversion to Christianity.

Clary, 55, died of a heart attack on Oct. 21.

CBN spoke to the evangelist in 2011 about his journey to becoming a Christian after years of hating blacks and other minority groups. Watch his story below.

He said he felt compelled to give his life to the Lord after reading Luke 15, the story of the prodigal son.

"I finally got on my knees and said, 'God, my life is screwed up. God, I'm in a mess. I need Your help," he recalled. "I felt like a new person, brand new creation. I felt like I had had a weight lifted off my shoulders."

In becoming a Christian, Clary learned how to love and live in unity with all people. He became the first Caucasian elder in the Church of God in Christ, a predominantly African-American denomination.

Clary is survived by his wife, Melissa (Edwards) Clary of Baton Rouge, his brother Larry of Colorado, brother Terry, sister Sandy and a daughter Savannah all from Oklahoma.

He passed away in his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at Family Worship Center, 8919 Ministry Ave., Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made online to Operation Colorblind, the organization founded by Clary promoting racial reconciliation. Or send a donation to:

Operation Colorblind
P.O. Box 83535
Baton Rouge, LA 70884