Clarence Davis' Obituary
Clarence Davis was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi on October 5, 1945. He was a twin born to the late Cora Davis. Shortly after the twins were born, Cora became very ill and knew she would not live long. She then turned to family members to raise her three children. The older child Eugene was sent to live with his grandmother and Clarence and his sister Claretta were sent to live with his mother’s brother who had no children. Uncle Ivy and Aunt Linda lived in McComb, MS which is where Clarence grew up. They raised him from 9 months old and became the ones he called mom and dad. At the age of 18 months Claretta came down with meningitis and passed on leaving Clarence to be raised as an only child. For years he and his older brother would see each other only on summer breaks.
Clarence stayed in McComb through his school years graduating from Burglund High School in 1963. Clarence loved sports and played football earning the nickname of “Moose Killer” due to his size and the way he tackled. At one point Clarence thought about playing professional football but the desire to help his family sooner led him into the military.
Shortly after his 18th birthday Clarence joined the United States Air Force where he served for 26
years and 2 months. Clarence had many great assignments during his career including three tours of Vietnam and two tours at Little Rock Air Force Base, AR where he met the love of his life, Martha. He was also stationed at Anderson Air Force Base Guam and Charleston Air Force Base, SC before retiring at McChord AFB, WA. The first half of his career was spent as an Air Frame Systems Technician (sheet metal man). After a debilitating injury in Guam, Clarence was forced to cross train to a new job as a Contracting Supervisor for the final 13 years of his career. Among the awards he received are the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster; Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one silver and 2 bronze clusters; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with two silver and three bronze stars; Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon with three oak leaf clusters; Air Force Longevity Award; NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon; Air Force Training Ribbon; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Device; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; MAC NCO Leadership; SAC NCO Academy.
When Clarence retired from the military he decided his High School Education and the few college
courses he had taken were not enough. He attended City University in Tacoma where he completed an accelerated BA degree. Later he enrolled in and graduated from the MBA program at the University of Southern Illinois at Carbondale. Clarence used his degree and those skills to launch his second career with the US Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration. At the time the time of his death, Clarence had completed 24 years, 8 months and 14 days of service to the FAA. This gave him over 51 years of Federal Service.
What most people will remember about Clarence is his great infectious smile. Clarence loved life and most anyone who knows or have met him comments on his smile. He always said smiles are free. Even on days when he felt his worse, Clarence would smile. His co-workers both past and present when speaking of him say they miss his smiling face, his kindness and his ability to work with people on all levels.
When Clarence was not working with others he was with his family. There were Girl Scout cookies
and trips to Texas; camp outs, pee wee league sports, cheer leading meets and more. He was always there for his child. He loved his family.
Each time the phone would ring and he saw his daughter‘s name on the caller ID, he’d say “Hello Davis R” and start to laugh. It was an inside joke between the two. Christal is a mini version of her
dad. They both like to tinker and put things together, watch the same kinds of movies and eat most
of the same food. She was the other love of his life.
Clarence has been active in the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Washington since the 80’s. He is a Past Master of Daniel “Chappie” James Lodge #72; F & AM, PHA; Past Patron Tacoma Chapter #38, Order of Eastern Star; a member of Rainbow Court #2, Heroines of Jericho and a GIG of Cascadian Consistory #75 where he was elevated to 33°, the highest achievement possible. Clarence has served in many capacities within each of these organizations. He was always willing to fill the gap when needed. Until his illness got in the way, his favorite job was being secretary, as he was extremely organized.
Clarence’s favorite hobby at home was woodworking in his man cave. He won several awards at the Puyallup Fair for workmanship. His model 18 wheelers were the hit of the fair during the mid-80’s. The outdoor furniture on his front and back porches are pieces he made. Martha especially loves her porch swing. Clarence also enjoyed football especially the Seahawks, music, bowling and good old cowboy movies.
Clarence loved the Lord and the Shiloh Family. He enjoyed Sunday School, Bible Study and especially his Laymen’s group. His favorite book of the Bible was John Chapter 14. When he became unable to attend his Laymen’s meetings, he would study at home and while sitting for hours at chemo treatments. The highlight of his year was when Clarence became a Deacon at Shiloh. He studied day and night often enlisting others to ask him questions. When the cancer became too much, he was disappointed he could not be at church with the other Deacons. Clarence also worked in the Finance Ministry counting offerings on Sundays. While Clarence loved everyone, he had a special place in his heart for Ms. Katie Alexander and Ms. Judith Harris. They were his girls.
Clarence was preceded in death by his sister Claretta, his brother Eugene, mother Cora and adoptive parents Ivy and Linda Clark. He leaves to mourn his passing his devoted wife of 45 years Martha, daughter Christal, five sister in-laws, one brother in-law and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends including his best buddy “Domino”. Domino still roams the house looking for his master. Clarence had a very special group of friends that he treasured. These included Julius, Shirley and Phaedra Brown, Tacoma, WA; Thomas Johnson, Lacey WA; Will Johns, McComb, MS; Bobby Bass, Antioch, CA; Donald and Paula James, Oakland, CA; Alisa Helmer (EZ), Puyallup, WA; Jene, Samar and the twins; Tacoma, WA; Ta-Sha Smith, Tacoma, WA; Briana Thompson, Daytona Beach FL; the brothers of DCJ#72 and his Pastor and First Lady, Gregory and Evelyn Christopher. Between Sis. Blany Bridges and the First Lady they kept him in cakes to satisfy his sweet tooth. Clarence also had a large FAA family that he loved very much. If Clarence were here now, he’d be smiling at all the love that has been shown to him and his family. Be Blessed!
Visitation will be held Friday, May 19, 2017, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, OES and Heroines of Jericho Ceremony to begin at 6:00 PM and Rose Croix Ceremony 7:00 PM in the Valley Chapel at Mountain View Funeral Home and Memorial Park.
A Home going Funeral Service will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 20, 2017 at Shiloh Baptist Church, Tacoma. Interment to follow at Mountain View Memorial Park.
Please share your memories of Clarence and condolences to the family by visiting the tribute wall.
What’s your fondest memory of Clarence?
What’s a lesson you learned from Clarence?
Share a story where Clarence's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Clarence you’ll never forget.
How did Clarence make you smile?
