Jerry Clower Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

The Voice of the Rural South: Who Was Jerry Clower

Jerry Clower — born Howard Gerald Clower — was a uniquely gifted storyteller whose warm Southern drawl, sharp wit, and authentic tales of rural life earned him the affectionate nickname “The Mouth of Mississippi.” Born on September 28, 1926, in Liberty, Mississippi, his life story spans a dramatic arc: from navy serviceman and fertilizer salesman to beloved comedian, author, and cultural icon whose legacy still echoes across the South.

Clower’s birthday — September 28 — remains a date often commemorated by fans of classic country humor and Southern storytelling. His upbringing in rural Mississippi would lay the foundation for the vivid characters, humorous situations, and homespun wisdom that defined his work.

How the Fertilizer Salesman Became a Voice for the South

After serving in the US Navy during World War II, Clower returned to Mississippi, studied agriculture at Mississippi State University, and eventually worked as a fertilizer salesman for a chemical company. 

It was during this time — while courting farmers with fertilizer — that Clower’s natural gift for storytelling began to emerge. He’d amuse his clients with funny anecdotes about rural life, local characters, and Southern traditions. Over time, his humorous tales gained traction. Encouraged by friends, he decided to record some of his stories — and the rest, as the saying goes, is history. 

In 1971, Clower released his first album, From Yazoo City — Mississippi Talkin’, which instantly resonated with a wide audience. Before long, he would become a regular performer on the hallowed stage of Grand Ole Opry, and a staple figure in country-comedy circles. 

Spinning Southern Tales: Legacy of Laughs and Lessons

Clower’s humor hinged on vivid storytelling — filled with rural charm, colorful characters (like the Ledbetters), and down-home wisdom. His signature refrain, “If I’m lying, I’m dying,” became a hallmark of his style.

Across a nearly three-decade career, he recorded about 27 full-length albums, penned several books (including Let the Hammer Down!, Life Everlaughter, Stories From Home, and Ain’t God Good!), and made countless appearances on radio and television. 

His influence extended far beyond entertainment. Clower was a devout Southern Baptist and often incorporated his faith into his work. His stories sometimes carried moral undertones, reflecting his convictions — particularly on community, faith, and human decency.

Even years after his passing, his humor continues to influence a generation of comedians; many cite Clower as a pioneer who blended storytelling, Southern culture, and comedy in a way few before him had managed.

The Numbers: Net Worth and Lifetime Earnings

While precise accounting for entertainers from Clower’s era is difficult, available sources estimate that at the time of his death, Clower’s net worth was approximately US$4 million.

That figure includes income from album sales, live performances, book deals, and radio/television appearances. It reflects a successful transition from salesman to entertainer — and suggests that his comedic legacy was not only cultural, but also financially rewarding.

Love, Home, and Family — The Man Behind the Mic

Behind the larger-than-life persona was a man anchored by home and family. In 1947, Clower married his high-school sweetheart, Homerline Wells (sometimes spelled “Homerline,” other sources “Homerlene”), and their marriage endured until his death in 1998. 

Theirs was a partnership grounded in love, faith, and shared roots. They raised children together, and Clower often drew on family and hometown experiences when crafting his stories — lending authenticity, warmth, and relatability to his comedy. 

Final Curtain: Remembering a Southern Storyteller

Clower passed away on August 24, 1998, following complications from heart bypass surgery.

Yet his laugh — slow, drawling, rich with Southern cadence — lives on. His recordings, books, and tales continue to transport listeners to dusty backroads, church socials, front porches, and late-night truck stops across America.

Jerry Clower’s life story — from fertilizer salesman to comedy icon — is more than a Hollywood rags-to-riches arc. It is a testament to the power of authenticity, culture, and storytelling. For anyone seeking a slice of Southern heritage, humor, and heart, Clower’s work remains timeless.