Clarence Oliver McCraw

Clarence Oliver McCraw, a man defined by his athletic brilliance, his love for the water, and an intellect that seemed to hold the answers to life's many questions, passed away peacefully after his short battle with Pancreatic Cancer on Monday, February 16, 2026.

Born on September 30, 1953, in Pelican, Louisiana, to Clifton Washington and Mattie Rose McCraw, Clarence carried the hardworking spirit of his roots throughout his life. A proud graduate of the University of Houston, Clarence was a man of extraordinary depth.

He was famously known among friends and family as a walking encyclopedia. He seemingly knew "everything about everything," a trait that earned him the affectionate nickname, "Wikipedia." Whether you needed a technical answer, a historical fact, or life advice, Clarence was the man to ask.

Clarence was a world-class athlete whose discipline and skill spanned decades. In his younger years, he reached the pinnacle of his sport as a member of the saber fencing team within the Olympic circuit from 1982 to 1984. As the years passed, his competitive drive moved from the fencing strip to the softball diamond. Clarence was a powerhouse on the field. His career highlights included his team winning the Winter World Championship in Las Vegas in 2010. Even at age 64, his talent never waned; in 2017, he was honored with a championship ring for being named "Best in the Tournament."

While he was a fierce competitor, Clarence found his greatest peace on the water. Whether he was fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the view from his home, he was truly in his element. He often joked that he would spend twenty-four hours a day fishing if he could. To Clarence, a day spent with a fishing line in the water was a day well spent. He also loved deer hunting on his land in Pelican, Louisiana.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton Washington, and Mattie Rose McCraw, and his brother, Ronald Glenn Washington.

Those left to cherish his memory are: his beloved wife, Mollie Courmier Broussard of Lake Charles, LA; His son, Dr. Casey McCraw (and partner Mike Willinsky); his stepson, Timothy "TeeJay" Broussard, all of' Las Vegas, NV; his brother, George Wayne McCraw (Brenda) of Cypress, TX; and his uncle, King Phillip McCraw of Oakland, CA.

The family will honor Clarence's life with services in both his hometown and his place of residence:

A service will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at St. Peter Baptist Church, 1157 LA-512, Pelican, LA 71063. Time to be determined.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 28, 2026 in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles, with Rev. Jo Ann Cooper presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the start of the service. A gathering for family and friends will follow the Saturday service at the family residence in Lake Charles.

In honor of Clarence's generous spirit, donations may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana.