Hubert Bruce Clapp

Dr. Hubert Bruce Clapp, 78, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 14, 2021 in Athens, Georgia. Prior to moving to Athens, he lived in Winston-Salem, North Carolina for over fifty years. Bruce was born November 15,1942 in Asheville, NC. He is the son of the late Dr. Hubert Lee and Celeste Knoefel Clapp of Swannanoa,  NC.

Bruce graduated from Owen High School, Swannanoa, NC in 1961, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1964, and  a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in 1967. Later that year, he married the love of his life, Bernice "Bernie" Madry Bazernore and they began their beautiful life together.

Bruce greatly fulfilled his military duties serving in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1968-69. After returning from service, he co-founded the dental practice where he worked until his retirement in 2007.  He was a member of Knollwood Baptist Church, Forsyth Country Club, and numerous other civic and charitable organizations.

Bruce was most known for his kind, generous and humble nature.  He gave his time and resources, selflessly, in all aspects of his life. Bruce was the eternal student and always up for an adventure.  He developed his love for the outdoors and learning as a child growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, where he earned his Eagle Scout award. This continued into his adult life, where he was known for being a talented chef, master gardener, cyclist, devoted North Carolina basketball fan, and for his love of travel with family and friends.  He shared his faith on countless medical mission trips all over the world, but his greatest love was for his family and his time with them. His unwavering loyalty and commitment, to all he was involved with, was truly a testament to a life well lived.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Bernie, of 54 years; daughter Catherine Clapp Hardman and her husband Lamartine "Lam" Griffin Hardman, lV (Athens, Georgia); son John Simpson Clapp and his wife Susan Miles Clapp (Augusta, Georgia); four grandchildren, Catherine "Cate" Madry Talmadge Hardman, Lamartine “Lam" Griffin Hardman, V, Lillian "Lilly"  Hall Clapp, and Ward Simpson Clapp; Dr. and Mrs. C.W. "Bill" Bazemore (Winston-Salem, NC), Dr. John McRary (Huntsville, AL), and numerous nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Hubert Lee Clapp (Swannanoa, NC), his twin brother Phillip  Lee Clapp (Montgomery, AL), sister Carolyn Clapp McRary (Huntsville, AL), and Rev. and Mrs. Cyrus William Bazemore (Raleigh, NC) .

The family would like to give special thanks to his caregivers Joanne Appling, Eloise Clarke and Katherine Smith, as well as his hospice nurse Mary Carroll Murray, for the loving care they gave to Bruce during his final months.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 20th at 1:00pm, in the chapel at the Presbyterian Village of Athens, 1400 Live Oak Lane, Athens, Georgia, 30606, immediately followed by a reception.  ln lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Knollwood Baptist Church Missions Fund, 330 Knollwood St, Winston-Salem, NC. 27104 or a charity of your choosing. Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com