Clarence Phillip Williams, 78, Orange

C.P. Williams, 78, of Orange, Texas, passed away on April 21, 2024, at St Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont.

Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Chaplain John Brian. Burial will follow at Farmer Cemetery in Silsbee.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Port Neches, Texas, on November 2, 1945, he was the son of Clarence Williams and Edolia Theriot Williams. Clarence proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, and spent his later years serving in the South East Texas Veterans Service Group. His service to his country was a testament to his courage and commitment to protecting others.

Beyond his military career, Clarence was known for his dancing abilities It was while dancing that he met the love of his life, Teressa Williams, and their shared love for dancing brought them together. Their bond was sealed on October 12 when they met, followed by an engagement on November 12, and finally becoming husband and wife on January 12.

Apart from music and dance, Clarence had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He cherished moments spent by the water, whether fishing or boating. His adventurous spirit also extended to sports, with a particular love for racing cars and avidly following NASCAR events.

However, perhaps Clarence's most fulfilling role was as the funeral coordinator for the Southeast Texas Veterans Service Group. In this capacity, he orchestrated dignified services and provided honors for over 1000 local Veterans. His dedication to ensuring that fellow servicemen were respected in their final farewell reflected his compassionate heart and selfless nature.

In addition to these pursuits, Clarence delighted in spending time with his grandchildren, who affectionately called him "Pawpaw." He showered them with love and attention, creating lasting memories that will be cherished forever.

Clarence Phillip Williams leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and devotion. While he may no longer walk among us, his memory will be kept alive by all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Edolia Williams; and his siblings.

He is survived by his wife, Teressa Williams; his daughter, Beverly Lefler and husband, Johnny of Burlington, Iowa; and his sons, Phillip Williams of Port St. Lucy, Florida, Terry Hawthorne Jr. and life partner, Kyle of Silsbee, Texas, and Curtis Czajkowzki of Deweyville, Texas; his three great-grandchildren; and numerous other loving nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be the Southeast Texas Veteran Service Group. Honorary pallbearers are Beverly Lefler, Phillip Williams, Terry Hawthorne, Jr., and Curtis Czajkowzki.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Southeast Texas Veterans Group.