Clarence Joseph Guillory Jr.

“Then I called on the name of the Lord: “Lord, save me!” The Lord is gracious and righteous; Our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me.” (Psalm 116:4-6)

CLARENCE JOSEPH GUILLORY, JR. was born on November 9, 1946 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Clarence Joseph Guillory, Sr. and Essie Jones Guillory, the eldest of their four children, Ronald, Renée and André. Clarence was educated in the Philadelphia School District graduating from Overbrook High School and later earning his Associate’s Degree from Peirce College.

Driven by a sense of duty, Clarence enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War era. He served as Military Police stationed in London, England. During his tenure there, Clarence met and married his first wife (Lesley), and through this union, welcomed his eldest daughter, Renée, named after his sister.

Upon returning to the United States, Clarence worked for the Internal Revenue Service where he remained for thirty years until he retired. During his time at the IRS, Clarence met Lindsay Glover and shortly after in 1975 they wed. Clarence was a devoted father and husband who worked diligently to provide for his family. Clarence and Lindsay welcomed four children; Craig, Caron, Christopher and Catherine, who affectionately shared his first initial “C.” Given his strong work ethic, Clarence continued to work in various industries until finally retiring from American Airlines. Clarence was a man of faith and he and his family joined New Covenant Church of Philadelphia in 1985. While there, Clarence was very involved, serving on the Men’s Choir and Net Care. When his wife was stricken with a terminal illness, he cared for her in their family home until her death in 2007. His devotion, love and care for Lindsay during her illness is an example of his kind soul and integrity; characteristics for which he was well-known.

Affectionately known as “Smokey” by some, Clarence was a handsome, meticulous dresser with a cool confidence and swag to match. One of the most notable aspects of his character was his calm demeanor and his uncanny way of making people feel comfortable around him. Clarence was passionate about all types of music, ranging from Motown oldies, jazz to gospel. It was not unusual to see him take to the dance floor doing the Bop or Cha Cha, which he loved. Clarence was passionate about sports and often attended games with his children when not enjoying a game on the TV at home. He also loved old Hollywood and Western movies, traveling and cars. He could identify the make and model of cars on sight at the early age of five. This blossomed into a love of driving, particularly cars with stick shifts. People were often impressed with how well he could maneuver behind the wheel. He enjoyed long distance drives, traveling to different cities to try new cuisines and taking family vacations. All his children have fond memories of the fun and loving times spent together.

Clarence was honest, generous, compassionate and had an insatiable zest for life. He loved his whole family unconditionally, both near and far and demonstrated it. Even after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, Clarence never lost faith, never complained and continued to show empathy and kindness toward others.

CLARENCE leaves many to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy: five children, Renée (Melissa), Craig (Talisha), Caron, Christopher (Shantel) and Catherine (Derrick); two brothers, Ronald (Florence) and André (Karen); one sister Renée (Delmar) and sister-in-law Diane Glover; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren (and one on the way); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

“A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.” - Maya Angelou