Clarence Davis Williams

Clarence Davis Williams, a man whose name is synonymous with unwavering strength and boundless generosity, left this world on February 7, 2024, following an extended illness. Born on August 30, 1943, in the nurturing community of Dothan, Alabama, Clarence's life was a testament to the power of resilience and the beauty of selflessness.

From his early days on the football field at Carver High School to the bustling streets of Brooklyn, New York, Clarence carried with him the spirit of determination and the joy of connection. After his graduation, he ventured to New York, where he would spend his formidable adult years, making a lasting impact on all those he encountered.

Clarence's professional journey with the New York City Department of Corrections spanned over two decades, a period during which he exemplified integrity and compassion. In 1993, he returned to his roots in Dothan, where he founded The Rose Room, a haven of fellowship and community that he nurtured for 30 years until his final days.

His passion for life was evident in his love for athletics. Clarence was not one to shy away from a challenge, as shown by his participation in the New York City Marathon. His athletic endeavors were a mirror of his approach to life—steady, strong, and always pushing forward.

Though he was known for his stern and hard-headed nature, Clarence was truly a gentle giant, firm in his convictions but overflowing with kindness. He lived his life as a 32 Degree Mason, embracing the values of brotherhood and charity that guided him in every interaction.

Clarence's love for his late wife, Ernestine (Tine) Williams, who predeceased him in 1998, was a beacon of devotion, illuminating the path for his family and friends. His legacy is carried on through his beloved daughter, Bridgette Williams-Brown, and her husband Anthony, Clarence's son, Brian Williams, his cherished grandchildren, Shomarii Williams, Christian Williams, Traicon Williams, and Nyomi Padgett, and his treasured great-grandchild, Jayce Williams. His brothers Barney Stokes, with his wife Sue, Joseph Williams, with his wife Clorinda, and his sister Janie Smith, along with his best friend, Dora Culver Sims, her daughter, Josha-lyn Kennedy and her husband, Kevin, and their children, Benjamin Smith, Tyson Frazier, and Kevin Nicholas, Jr., his very good friend, John Ford and a host of nieces and nephews also survive him, each bearing the imprint of his loving spirit.

A celebration of Clarence's extraordinary life will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 2pm at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The esteemed Rev. Harold McKissick will officiate, honoring a life that was lived with purpose and passion. Clarence will be laid to rest in Memory Hill Cemetery, his final resting place amidst the community that he loved so dearly and beside his beloved wife, Tine. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather and share memories of Clarence at the funeral home on Friday from 1 - 2 pm, just before the service.

In a life marked by loving gestures and selfless acts, Clarence Davis Williams was a beacon of gentleness and strength. His story is not one of sorrow but a celebration of a life well-lived and a character well-loved. As we bid farewell to Clarence, we do so with the knowledge that his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate us to live with the same courage and love that he embodied every day.

While Clarence's physical presence may be absent, his spirit lives on in the love we shared and the positive impact he had on the world. As we navigate the difficult days ahead, let us lean on each other for support and draw strength from the beautiful memories we hold dear.

Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com