Clarence Clayton Reece Jr., of Florissant, Missouri was born on August 25, 1952 in St. Louis, Missouri to Clarence Clayton Reece Sr. and Mildred Mae Reece. Both parents and three siblings (Edward Reece, Marjorie P. Madison and Robert Jackson Reece) preceded him in death.
Growing up, Clarence Jr was fondly known as “Little Bit”, a nickname given to him by his older sister Marjorie who made sure that everyone had a nickname of her choosing. Clarence Sr. was a career Army man, so Clarence Jr and his siblings had the wonderful opportunity to move around the United States and live for several years on the island of Oahu, Hawaii where the youngest sibling, Connie, was born. Life on Army bases afforded a high degree of freedom for children and seemingly endless terrain for exploring. Clarence Jr and his younger siblings developed a tight bond throughout the years and enjoyed many adventures together. A born leader with a boundless imagination, Clarence Jr organized a hunting party with his sister Bonnie and a few friends after discovering a sign in the woods of Oahu that warned” DANGER – WILD BOARS”. The group was in the process of sharpening slender tree limbs with which to “spear” a wild boar, imagining a frontier-like cookout. Having noticed the activities, Clarence Sr. intervened just in time to show the hunting party a picture of an actual wild boar from an encyclopedia {GOOD LORD!}, after which the group quickly disbanded. Clarence Jr enjoyed hunting as a young man. Later in life it was a given that he developed excellent marksmanship skills.
Clarence Jr attended University City High School. Afterwards he made the decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps where he served during the last years of the Vietnam War. Clarence Jr became a decorated marksman. He was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. While serving proudly in the USMC, Clarence Jr achieved the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. Clarence Jr became his unit’s operations chief, working with superior officers on training, operations, and tactical advising. He served as a Marine Recruiter in Chicago, Illinois; providing his community with information about the Marine Corps and assisting in civic events Clarence also served as a Marine Recruiter.
Clarence Jr gently passed away on Monday, April 5, 2021 at the age of 68, with family members by his side.
Clarence Jr is survived by his children Cecily, Clarence, Clayton III, William and Susan; his grandchildren Micheal, William Jr., Kamielle, Amber, Marquise, Nakiya, Ashley, Ameryn, Allyssa, Celeste and Aaliyah; his siblings Bonnie, Keith and Connie (Michael); and his loving partner Redennia Tolar, with whom he enjoyed attending Filipino-American Christian Church in St. Louis, MO. Clarence was cherished by nieces, nephews, great-nieces & nephews, great-great nieces & nephews, and a host of cousins and friends.
Clarence Jr can be honored by support given to local Veterans Service Organizations. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Reece family may be shared at www.kriegshausermortuary.com
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