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Clarence Willis Obituary
On Wednesday, April 20, 2011, Clarence Willis, 87, of Lompoc, CA went home to be with his Lord and Savior after a brief illness. He was born in St. James, LA to Joseph Willis and Emily Kelley. He moved to New Orleans, LA at the age of 14. He joined the military at age 19 and served 8 years with the Army Corp of Engineers. He moved to Lompoc in 1957 where he began a successful career as a hair stylist on Vandenberg Air Force Base. He later opened Oaks Barber and Beauty Shop in Vandenberg Village where he continued to work a chair until December of last year.
Mr. Willis returned to school late in life to earn an Associate Degree from Allan Hancock College and he also attended Barber College in Los Angeles. He wrote a chapter on Black haircutting and styling in the Standardized Textbook of Barbering and Styling. He served on the Board of the national Barbers Association. He was a life member of the NAACP and chaired the Labor & Industry Committee for many years. He was a Charter Board member of the LVCYC, Inc. and remained there until his death. He was an active member of Club Arcturus and a Mason for many years. In 2000 he was named Citizen of the Century by Grace Temple Missionary Baptist Church, a member of Calvary Baptist Church and he held a weekly bible study in his home for many years.
Mr. Willis had a great capacity for loving and caring for others. His wisdom, knowledge and understanding will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Herbert "Sluggo" Wise. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Gloria Willis. He leaves Robert Willis of Las Vegas, NV, Dale Willis of Lompoc, CA, Gwendolyn Willis of Tacoma, WA, Deborah Gamble of Lompoc, Donald Willis of Houston, TX, Commodore Dixon of Goleta, CA, Kenneth Willis, Atlanta, GA, Sharon Perkins and Reginald Perkins, Deridder, LA, Mark Willis of Tacoma, WA, Kirk Willis of Tacoma, WA, Eric Willis of Deridder, LA and scores of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and a host of close friends and extended family.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2011 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the chapel of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, April 29, 2011 at Calvary Baptist Church. Arrangements are in the care of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Clarence Willis
Al & Patti Lemons
May 12, 2011
Clarence was our neighbor in Vandenberg Village for many years. He was a loved friend as well as our family barber, and a truly remarkable man. It was an honor to know him. He was a rare man of true integrity and honorable character. Our heartfelt condolences to his entire family. He will be sorely missed.
Ronald Linton
May 3, 2011
The world lost a man of deep character, a man truely committed to building his community with humility and a helping hand to others. His true legacy is continued by his children.
Tyrone Leekins
May 1, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Willis family. Clarence was certainly a very special man and will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have been blessed by his presence.
May 1, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Willis family. My wife and I stopped in the Village to say hello to Mr Willis, we talked for well over and hour just speaking with him inspired you. God has certainly created a special place for him in heaven.
Joyce Culliver
April 29, 2011
With deepest sympathy.
Jeffrey Lee
April 29, 2011
Rest in Peace Mr. Willis
Angela Dixon
April 28, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Gloria Willis and the entire Willis family. I pray that the peace of God will saturate your hearts during your time of grief.
Wiggins & Wanda Faye Lambert
April 28, 2011
"Clarence Willis family, May the peace of God guard your hearts & minds on the homegoing of Mr. Willis. Mediate on God's word to
strengthen you at this time. We're praying for you." Wiggins & Wanda
Faye Lambert (Santa Maria, California)
Michael Irvin
April 27, 2011
Mr. Willis was an "institution" in Lompoc. Many of us are better for having known him. My prayers are with the Willis family as Mr. Willis has been called home. God bless you.
April 27, 2011
We are sorry about your recent loss of our dear uncle Clarence and are praying for you and your family.
Harry & Lillian Mitchell, Baton Rouge, La
Delcine Hardermen
April 26, 2011
The Willis Family,My God Bless You In Your Time Of Sorrow...Delcine And Neil Harderman
Blanch Clark
April 25, 2011
To the willis Family:God Bless And Be With You Throw The Time Of Berevement With Sympathy,Blanch Clark
Brian Johns
April 25, 2011
Mr. Willis was an important elder whose passing will be greatly honored. His warm smile and gentle spirit will not be forgotten.
Steve Driggers
April 25, 2011
Mr. Willis, theres a hot cup of tea waiting for you on the deck your friend and neighbor , steve
Cecil Landrum
April 25, 2011
My Prayers go out to the Willis Family.Lompoc cannot forget Mr.Willis,he was truly an Icon in Lompoc.
Sharon Perkins
April 25, 2011
R.I.P Mr.Willis Step- Daugther Sharon Perkins.Step-Son Adopted Son Eric Willis
Nadine Caldwell
April 25, 2011
Praying for the Willis Family and the Celebration of Life of such a Wonderful Godly Man, Father, Grandfather, Greatgrandfather, Uncle, Brother...
The New Hope Women's Department, Santa Maria, California
April 25, 2011
No more pain, no more medicine, and no more worries just a perfect peace with the Savior you worshiped. A heart felt thank you for allowing me to be part of your family growing up and sharing your kindness and love with mine as time passed. You were loved and will be missed and your smile and wisdom will not be forgotten for it will always remain in my heart.
Larry Jones
sarah mcgivney
April 24, 2011
RIP Mr. Willis...you will not be forgotten. Our condolences to all those left behind..
the whitney family
Penni Turner
April 24, 2011
Penni, Serenity & Erykah
Alfred Drake
April 24, 2011
I have very fond memories of Mr. Willis growing up as a child and young adult. His words of wisdom and his knowledge of life helped guide me as an adult. My prayers are with his family and I will truly miss Mr. Willis.
Manuela Venegas de Rico
April 23, 2011
My prayers are with the family during this time. Mr. Willis was a great man always lending his heart and hands but especially his wisdom and knowledge. He always treated my family like a part of his and I will always love him for that. I will truly miss having him around. It is now time for you to rest and let others continue your legacy.
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