Clarence E. Major

WEST POINT - Clarence E. Major, 85, of West Point, Va., passed away Saturday, Feb. 21, 2004. He was the son of John and Mary Major and was born and raised in Middlesex County. Clarence was a 1936 graduate of Saluda High School, an alumnus of University of Richmond, received his BA and MA at Oxford University in Oxford, England. He also received a Masters in Administration from The College of William and Mary and received an honorary degree from University of Richmond. Clarence was an Army World War II veteran serving in the 29th Infantry Division. He was wounded shortly after the Normandy Invasion. He received a purple heart and retired as Captain. He started his career as an educator in the classroom as a teacher, coach, assistant principal of Battlefield Park High School in Hanover County from 1948 to 1952. In 1952 he moved back to his native Middlesex County and taught one year before being named principal in 1953 and served until 1963. In 1963 he was named Superintendent of King & Queen, King William, and West Point schools. He served all three divisions until 1971 when he became superintendent of King William and West Point where he served until he retired in 1978. He was an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church where he served on the vestry and was a senior warden. Clarence was the past president of West Point Ruritan Club, West Point Kiwanis, and the King William unit of American Cancer Society. He is also member of the American Legion Post #82. He served as an officer of the Virginia High School League, President of Middlesex Education Association, and President of Secondary Principal Association District A. Also, President of District A and Board of Virginia Education Association, member of Retired Teachers Association and after his retirement served many years on the Board of Directors at Rappahannock Community College. Clarence loved to travel and enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting with his family. His parents, John and Mary Major, brother, Walter R. Major, sister, Ruby Lee Taylor, and his first wife, Mildred Penny Major, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Lillian F. Major; a son, John E. Major of Stormont; three daughters and their husbands, Jennifer and Larry Lucas, Jane and Tom Throckmorton of Stormont and Rebecca and Dennis Robbins of Newport News; five grandchildren, Michael and Mark Lucas, Chris Throckmorton, Melanie Wood, and Brian Robbins; four great-grandchildren, Ashley and Lara Lucas, Austin and Kendall Lucas; and a faithful cocker spaniel, Tippy; two sisters, Lucy Davis of New Kent, Marie Anton of Middlesex; three brothers, Hubert Major, Tom Major and Robert Major, all of Middlesex; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. John's Episcopal Church. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at Vincent Funeral Home, West Point, Va. Memorials can be made to West Point Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad Inc., Box X, West Point, VA 23181, or to the charity of your choice.