Michael Thomas Clair

Michael Thomas Clair was born May 18, 1951, in Augusta, GA and met Jesus face-to-face on January 19, 2023.

Mike is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Barbara Lee Davis Clair, grandfather, Stephen Leslie Davis, father-in-law, Wally Arceneaux, and brother-in-law, Jimmy Tripp.

He is survived by his wife of forty years, Betsy Arceneaux Clair; five daughters: Hannah (Joey) Johnson of Grovetown, GA, Noel (Byron) LaBowe of Lafayette, LA, Laura (Dale) Wilkes of Augusta, GA, Stephanie (Jared) Massey of Martinez, GA, and Katherine Clair of Martinez, GA; seven grandchildren: Miles and Parker Johnson, Annie, Levi, and Collin LaBowe, and Michael and Poppy Massey; his mother-in-law, Flora Arceneaux; sisters-in-law, Robin Tripp and Debbie (Kenneth) Walker; five nieces and nephews; and twelve great nieces and nephews.

Mike was a graduate of the Academy of Richmond County, Brewton-Parker College with an Associate’s of music, Oral Robert’s University with a Bachelor’s of Christian Education, and Augusta College with a Master of Counseling. He was a member of the Brewton-Parker Choir and the Oral Robert’s Singers which gave him the opportunity to travel to Israel and sing; a memory that he cherished.

Mike spent most of his early career working in retail before joining the staff at Augusta Christian Schools where he taught Bible and History for approximately ten years. He began his fulltime counseling ministry at New Hope Worship Center where he served as the Director of Pastoral Care for approximately nineteen years and was a teacher at New Hope Christian School for seven years.

Mike was an incredible man of God who carried the Father’s heart and shared that love with everyone he met. He was active in ministry and has sown so many seeds that we may never know the abundant harvest of souls reaped for the Kingdom of God.

Mike was a devoted husband, father, Papa, and friend. He will be remembered for his gracious heart, witty personality, beautiful tenor voice, delicious food, and craftiness. He was the greatest girl dad and will be deeply missed by all of those for whom he was a father figure.

A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, January 22, 2023, at 2:30 pm at The Sanctuary Church with Pastor Bryan Cockrell officiating. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to services and following the service.