Mr. Clarence Blane Smith

Clarence Blane Smith, the son of the late Ada and Boure Smith, was born on January 11, 1930, in Lancaster County, Virginia. As the youngest of five children, he brought joy to his family. Clarence passed away on November 2, 2025, at the age of 95. Clarence accepted Christ in July 1941 and was baptized in September at Beulah Baptist Church in Lively, Virginia. He attended public schools in Lancaster, Virginia, before continuing his education at Virginia State College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Education, with a minor in Tailoring. While at Virginia State, he was actively involved in extracurricular activities, including the Student Christian Association, and was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Clarence joined the US Army on February 2, 1954, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. After receiving his commission as a Quartermaster Officer, he attended the Quartermaster and Leadership Training School. The majority of his time in the Army was spent in Incheon, Korea, where his primary duty was serving as the Civilian Personnel Officer. He was assigned this position due to his leadership qualities and his communication skills. Clarence's superior officers trusted him in this role to lead civilians and non-Army personnel, which spoke volumes to the confidence his Leadership had in him to lead a vital branch of service. Clarence received an Honorable Discharge on May 23, 1961. At the time of his discharge, he had obtained the rank of 1st Lieutenant. During his Army service, Clarence received the National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal. After his military service, he married Connie on June 18, 1960, whom he met on a blind date. From the union, they have two daughters, Toya and Tonia. Clarence worked in the retail industry, specializing in men's clothing, focusing on quality control. His employment included positions at Montgomery Ward and Kuppenheimer, where he oversaw the daily operations of nineteen stores, extending from Florida to Massachusetts. Later, he worked at Saks Fifth Avenue, from which he retired in 1994. After retirement, he continued to work part-time in the Big and Tall men's clothing sector. In July of 1960, Clarence realized the need to rededicate his life and joined Providence Baptist Church. During his time at Providence, he demonstrated his leadership skills again by serving as the President of The Layman's League (Men's Fellowship, Chair of the Family Life Ministry, Chair of the Cooperative Council, Chair of the Evangelism Ministry, Chair of the HIV/AIDS Ministry, and, most recently, Chair of the Board of Deacons. He taught classes such as the Baptist Evening Fellowship and New Members Class, served as Coordinator of the Officer's Retreat, and was involved in the Multimedia Ministry and other projects. He was a regular attendee at the Saturday Bible Study Class and the In-Between Sunday School Class. He was also actively involved in Community Service and the Public School System, from which he received numerous certificates and plaques. Clarence's favorite scripture is Psalms 27, his favorite song is "Jesus is All the World to Me," and his favorite poem is "If" by Rudyard Kipling. In January 2007, he was declared legally blind due to severe glaucoma. From 2007 to 2011, he received training from the Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM), which helped him develop independent living skills. He established a sewing program to teach others how to use a sewing machine and made pillows and rice bags. Clarence was preceded in death by his wife, Constance Smith, and his children, Iris Coates and Bobby Smith. He Leaves to cherish his memory, two daughters, Toya Smith and Tonia Matthews (Clarence), 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren and 10 great great-grandchildren. He has a beloved daughter-in-law, Cassandra and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Mr. Clarence Blane Smith

January 11, 1930 - November 2, 2025