Clarence William King

William "Clarence" King, passed away at his home on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. His funeral will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, March 25, 2023, in the sanctuary of Lawn Baptist Church, Mark Moore officiating, directed by Fry~Smith Funeral Home, Tuscola. Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 28th at 11:00 am in the Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Abilene, with Diane Walker officiating. Visitation is on Friday, March 24, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Fry~Smith Funeral Home, Tuscola.

Born in Rotan, Texas to Alvin "Slim" King and Velma Gladys Levens on September 7, 1945, he was the third of four children. On November 5, 1962, he married the love of his life, Nora "Ellen" Mullings. Clarence served as a ship fitter metalsmith on the USS Molala, made three tours to Vietnam and received the Bronze Star for courageous service under combat conditions. His ship also infamously took part in a heated potato-throwing fight with a Russian troller. He then served as plant manager for Liquide Air for several years before working for the Jim Ned CISD school system as a custodian, from which he retired.

Clarence is preceded in death by his beautiful bride of 59 years, Ellen King, parents, Alvin and Velma King, his sisters Nell Cox and Creda Lawson, and his brother, Galord King.

He is survived by his son Brian King and wife Tammie, daughters Mel Bradshaw, and Laurie Voce and husband Patrick, grandchildren Kole King and wife Christi, Kara King, Kali King, Collin Tate, and wife Sarah, Ian Voce, Evan Tate, Carlie Jordan and husband Samuel, and Aiden Voce, as well as great-grandchildren Charly King, Case King, Cooper King, Theo Tate, and Norah Tate.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to On the Way Home Ministries, P.O. Box 266, Lawn, TX 79530. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Hendrick Hospice and extended family at Lawn Baptist Church.