Clarence was an only child who enjoyed riding four-wheelers, playing his guitar, and hunting. He also loved to cook.
While on his way home from his best friend's house on the afternoon of November 17, 2001, he and another vehicle hit head-on. Not even six months after his high school graduation, he was killed instantly.
In his brief nineteen years, he touched many people's hearts and will always be remembered for his loving nature and extraordinary sense of humor.
The following poem was read at his funeral:
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God laid for me,
I took His hand when I heard Him call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play,
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found that place at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy,
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
ah yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.