Clarence Ainsley

Clarence William "Bill" Ainsley, beloved family member and friend, passed away on Nov. 2, 2025, at the age of 81 in Elizabeth City, N.C. Born on May 26, 1944, in Columbia, N.C., he was a lifelong resident of Columbia, Norfolk, Va., and Elizabeth City. Clarence was known for his humor, his passion for recycling, his love of family and children, and his sense of adventure.

Fiercely independent, Clarence is the son of the late Martha Virginia Simmons Ainsley and the late James Eugene Ainsley of Columbia in Tyrrell County. One older sister, Hulda Marie Ainsley Curlings (the late Horace) Lassiter (the late William) of Tyner, N.C., predeceased him. Although Clarence never married nor had children, his lifelong companion, Lily Patricia "Pat" Hill of Norfolk, also predeceased him and will be interred with him.

Clarence is survived by a younger sister, Mildred Ann Ainsley Brickhouse (George) Swain (Eagle) Rackliffe (the late Alan) of Chowan Beach in Edenton, N.C.; and three brothers — older brother Wiley Gene Ainsley (the late Mary) of the Carrolton Nursing Home in Williamston, N.C., and younger brothers Retired U.S. Air Force Major Johnnie Dale Ainsley (Ruth) of Rockledge, Fla., and Lawrence Allen Ainsley (the late Vera) of Norfolk; and seven nieces and four nephews. An additional nephew predeceased him.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. EDT on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at the LDS Church at 600 West Ehringhaus Street in Elizabeth City. A reception will be held at the church immediately afterwards.