Wilbur "Ticky" Clinton III

Wilbur was born on December 21, 1959 to the late Wilbur Clinton II and Ernestine Collins. He was a native Washingtonian and attended the District of Columbia’s Public Schools.

At a young age, Wilbur always had a passion for tinkering with cars. His passion turned into learning mechanical work and being able to repair cars to run indefinitely. He was known as a backyard mechanic. This would often lead to providing reliable transportation at a reasonable cost to family, friends and various people in the community. Wilbur also shared his knowledge and advice on how to fix cars to family and friends. His unselfish advice was appreciated by all who sought his knowledge. Wilbur's passion was his love of cars. He enjoyed attending auctions and picking out the best cars he could get within his price range. He turned this hobby into a business as he could restore and make cars look new again. He enjoyed helping others as he was always ready to give his special knowledge and advice.

Although his knowledge of cars grew over the years, he knew there was something missing in his life that outweighed his love for cars. As God would have it, he met that missing part and on December 5, 2000 he married the love of his life Arlette Teresa “Terri”. In addition to being the love of his life, Terri worked with him to become very knowledgeable in the buying and restoring car business and became Wilbur’s very loyal advisor. Terri enjoyed working with Wilbur and became his confidant in his car business. They were often referred to as the “King and Queen” in the art of buying a car whether the purchase was for business or pleasure. Both of their pleasant personalities were contagious to everyone they met. The simplest pleasures of restoring old cars making them like new, brought great joy to Tick and Terri.

Wilbur also had several jobs in the maintenance field throughout Washington, DC. He worked at Hadley Memorial Hospital with 10 years of service. Wilbur also loved cooking and spending time in the kitchen, creating delicious meals for his family and friends. His favorite was to make perfect pancakes or egg omelets on weekend mornings.

Wilbur loved music and often Dee Jay’d at many holiday celebrations and family gatherings. He also thought he mastered his skills in singing and would without hesitation demonstrate his skill whenever his favorite tune began. Tick loved to travel. His travel plans would always include his family and friends. He always included a trip to one of the Casino’s along the way. One of his favorite places was the Dover Downs Casino which included driving through the Delaware area and watching it grow throughout many redevelopments.

To some Wilbur’s life would seem too short, but those who experienced his joy for life understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. His quest for life brought so much joy to his family. Despite his pain, Tick stayed strong until the end.

Wilbur is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years Arlette Clinton; his sons: Phillip Clark, Dante and Telonte Lewis; daughters: Monica Kerrick, Alicia and Tarsha; siblings Bruce, Byron, Gwendolyn and Jerry Clinton Sr, Lisa Boyd, Minister Christine Anderson (Tommy) of Jackson, Mississippi and Rev. Dr. Hurtestine Wilkerson (Rev. Dr. James) from Clinton Mississippi; preceded in death by brothers Samuel MacArthur Collins and Edward Collins of Mississippi; very close brothers in law Thomas Washington and Troy Nixon; grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, family and friends.