Mr. Clarence Freeman Williams, Sr.

It is with great sadness that the family of Clarence Freeman Williams, Sr., age 86, announces his passing which occurred on Wednesday, April 3, 2019, at Parkview Health and Rehabilitation Center, 1716 Legion Road, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27517. Mr. Clarence Freeman Williams, Sr. the son of the late James A. Williams and Lillie Mae Harris Williams was born December 4, 1932 in Durham, North Carolina. He was affectionally called "Sonny Boy" by his family. Clarence was educated in the Durham Public School System. He was a member of the Hillside High School class of 1952. After high school, he joined the United States Army. There he became an elite member of the first African American paratroopers with the designation of Troop 555, often called the Triple Nickels. Receiving an honorable discharge from the military, he briefly traveled the country, going on tour with hometown friend and rock-n-roll singer Clyde McPhatter. Upon returning home, he received a bachelor's degree in Physical Education from North Carolina College, now North Carolina Central University. There he played football and received the nickname "Cutback", because he would cut to the side and then move down the field. Clarence moved to Goldsboro, North Carolina and was employed at the O'Berry Center. He was later employed at Dillion High School, in Goldsboro, North Carolina where he taught Physical Education. He returned to Durham, North Carolina in 1968 and began working at Chapel Hill High School, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. There he coached football and was the first African American swim coach. Clarence also taught economics and African American History. He received two maters, one in History and the other in Education. He retired from the Orange County School System in 1998. Clarence was a long-time member of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. He was also a member of the North Carolina Central University Eagles Club. Clarence is survived by three children, son, Clarence F. Williams, Jr. of Durham, NC, daughter, Pamela R. Williams of Danville, VA and daughter, Ahanna C. Cain of Durham, NC; seven grandchildren, Dekeisha C. Williams, of Durham, NC, Jarriel F. Williams (Jeanne) of Herndon, VA, Clarence F. Williams, III (Brittany) of Charlotte, NC, Daniel Cain, Rachel Cain, Ethan Cain and Seth Cain, all of Durham, NC; one great grandson, Delvin Deese of Charlotte, NC; one great granddaughter, Alyvia M. Williams, of Charlotte, NC; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will take place at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, 404 Dowd Street, Durham, North Carolina, 27701 on Thursday, April 18, 2019. Family members will greet friends at 12:00 noon and the service will follow at 12:30 p.m. Mr. Clarence F. Williams, Sr. will be laid to rest in Beechwood Cemetery.

Mr. Clarence Freeman Williams, Sr.

December 4, 1932 - April 3, 2019