Clarence King, III

Celebrating the Life

of

Deacon Clarence A. King, III

I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept

the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,

which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to

me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.      2 Timothy 4: 7-8

Clarence Anthony King, III., standing 5’6” (or about there) and weighing 160 pounds was truly a giant of a man. He was blessed with a quiet, humble and gentle spirit. A man of principles, integrity and commitment, you could count on him for moral and spiritual support. He said what he meant, and he meant what he said. His “yes” was “yes” and his “no” was “no”-all done as agreeably as possible. He loved his Lord, family, church, and friends.

Clarence quietly entered into eternal at his home on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, surrounded by his loving wife and two children. He was born on July 22,1945 in Norfolk, VA to the late Mary Carter and Clarence A. King, Jr. 

Clarence was educated in the Norfolk Public School System, a proud product of Booker T. Washington High School (“Go Bookers!”). There he was an outstanding athlete excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. Even after high school, his passion for baseball led him to continue playing on several young adult and senior teams (World Champions). When he wasn’t playing, he was an avid fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Green Bay Packers. 

He retired from the Norfolk Naval Supply Center as lead-stevedore after more than 35 years of faithful service.

Clarence joined in fellowship with the New Mount Olive Baptist Church some 37 years ago serving in the Diaconate (Deacon), Food, and Missionary ministries. You could find Deacon King in regular attendance at Sunday Worship, Sunday School and Bible Study.

He met and married the love of his life Gracie Mae Riddick. Born to this union were two children: Clarissa and Clarence IV.

Clarence held family in high esteem. They affectionately called him “The Rock.” He was predeceased by three sisters: Janet King, Sandra Brown, and Sheila Adams; and two brothers: Ronald and Herbert King; and extended family: Vondale and Travis Jones.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of over 50 years Rev. Gracie R. King; two children: Clarissa King Earl (Christopher) and Clarence A. King, IV, all of Chesapeake, VA; one precious granddaughter, Jaimyla Essence Williams of Norfolk, VA; siblings: Carolyn K. Olds (Rudolph) of Chesapeake, VA; Mary J. Todd (Harlan, deceased) of San Diego, CA; Leroy F. King (Clara) of Norfolk, VA; Hope King-Eaton (Tony) of Norfolk,VA; and Becky King (Dell) of Severn, MD; sister-in-law, Roberta Hatcher (Michael) of Rocky Mount, NC; brother-in-law, Robert Riddick, Jr. (Minister Belinda) of Hampton, VA; aunt Mary Carter (Oliver, deceased) of Virginia Beach, VA; godson DeShawn M. King (Karla) of Stafford, VA; special friends, Rev. Eugene White (Shirl); Joseph “Bud” Hassell; Deacon Leroy Twine (Evangelist Linda); and Warren Jones, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, former co-workers, neighbors, church family, and friends. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clarence King, III, please visit our floral store.