Clarence "Tuffy" Molandes, Jr.

Graveside service for Clarence "Tuffy" Molandes, 58, of Nacogdoches will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at Mountain Cemetery in Nacogdoches County.  Visitation will be held from 10:00am - 12:00pm prior to the graveside on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at Laird Funeral Home. 

Clarence “Tuffy” Molandes, Jr, was born on November 11, 1962 to parents Clarence, Sr. and Norma Mora Molandes, in Nacogdoches, Texas.  He was originally named Clarence Molandes, Jr., but no one ever called him Clarence.  He was Tuffy all his life and his report cards, and later check stubs, reflected that, so he officially had his named changed to Tuffy.

Tuffy was one of a kind – truly larger than life.  His childhood and teenage years were spent in the woods, hunting and fishing or playing sports for the Chireno Owls – both school and summer leagues.  Every October 1, Tuffy would either skip school or, when he was older, take the day off work so that he and his Daddy could go squirrel hunting.  It was a tradition that continued until his Dad could not hunt any longer.

He loved the farm life, tending to his horse, Chief, riding the four-wheeler and checking fences and tending to his cows.  He always had a passel of dogs that would tag along with him wherever he went.

Tuffy also loved spending time with his family, whether sitting in the yard under the old crepe myrtle trees or out in his shop working or one project or another with Bradley. 

In 2006, Tuffy met the love of his life, Jan Huey, and they married in October 2006.  Jan’s two children quickly became THEIR children and he loved them as if they were his own. 

Tuffy worked for Bright Coop for over 30 years, starting out as a welder, then moving to the truck shop where he later became the truck shop manager.  He later transferred over to the Parts department and became the Parts Manager, selling parts to companies all over the United States. 

The last several years were hard for Tuffy as he was confined to bed by bad hips and knees but his spirit never wavered.  He loved his Lord and relied on his faith to see him through. 

Tuffy is survived by his wife, Jan Molandes, daughter Rebecca Alford, son Doyle Alford and granddaughter Lillie Alford.  He also leaves behind two sisters, Sue Dichard and husband, Terry Squyres of Palestine, and Mary Jo Molandes of Nacogdoches; his nephew Bradley Dichard and wife, Whitney and great nephew Brayden Dichard and great niece Kimberlyn Dichard.  Aunts, Nell Crofton and husband John, of Nacogdoches and Dorothy Roberts of Tyler, as well as a host of cousins and their families.

Tuffy is preceeded in death by his parents, Clarence and Norma, as well as numerous Aunts and Uncles who he loved dearly.

 

Directions to cemetery:  Cemetery located at Carl Monk scenic overlook off of Hwy 7 East of Nacogdoches.  Proceed East on Hwy 7 from loop in Nacogdoches to county road 341.  Turn right onto 341 and travel approximately 3 miles to a Y at CR 344 and go left on CR 344.  Turn RIGHT almost immediately at intersection of CR 342, then go about 1 mile on CR 342, down a steep hill, across a cattleguard and straight up to the top of the hill.  The cemetery is on the left.