Clarence L. “Clancy” Gury Jr., a retired salesman and veteran of two wars who was active in the American Legion, died of congestive heart failure Wednesday at Lorien Mays Chapel.

He was 89.

The son of Clarence L. Gury Sr., a real estate professional, and Elizabeth Martin Gury, a homemaker, Clarence Louis Gury Jr. was born and raised in Orange, N.J.

In his youth, he sold eggs from his uncle's farm and worked as a runner on Wall Street.

He dropped out of Orange High School in 1945 and enlisted in the Army, serving as a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne in Japan.

He was discharged with the rank of corporal in 1946 and returned to Orange High School, from which he earned his General Education Development certificate.

Mr. Gury returned to the Army in 1950 and served with an infantry unit in Korea.

He was discharged in 1953 as a sergeant.

After leaving the service, he worked as a salesman for Carpenter Steel, Yale Forklifts and McCall Lift Trucks.

He retired in 1989.

Mr. Gury, a longtime Cockeysville resident who moved to Towson in 1998, also owned the White Lady Motel in Daytona Beach, Fla., from 1973 to 1977.

He was an active member of American Legion Post 22 in Towson.

He served as commander from 1989 to 1990 and was the afternoon bartender for several years.

While serving as commander, Mr. Gury worked to raise funds for United Cerebral Palsy, family members said.

He was also a longtime member of the Towson Elks Club.

Mr. Gury enjoyed vacationing at Long Beach Island, N.J., and traveled several times to Mexico.

His wife of 38 years, the former Eleanor Winifred Thompson, died in 1989.

A visitation and memorial service will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at Peaceful Alternatives and Cremation Center, 2325 York Road, Timonium.

He is survived by two sons, Donald M. Gury of Princess Anne and C. Terry Gury of Perry Hall; two daughters, Gayle E. Gambill of Sparks and Sandra Perry of Phoenix, Baltimore County; nine grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.

—?Frederick N. Rasmussen