Clarence Priestley, Jr.

Clarence Priestley, Jr., was the second of eight children born to the late Clarence Orshely Priestley, Sr., and the late Martha Dove Priestley on Monday, June 8, 1942, in Bastrop, Texas. Though born weighing the most of his siblings, he continued to become a giant in his character, business and in his community. He credits his success to his mother’s Christian upbringing, his strong work ethic, and desire to be the very best. At the divinely appointed time, Clarence transitioned from this life to the bosom of the Lord on Friday, July 31, 2020.

He began his quest to be a businessman while he was still a youth. When many of his young relatives and friends were engaging in school activities and sports, it was common for him to be working. He often worked several jobs at one time. As a young adult, he became one of the first African Americans to work as a salesman and buyer for J.C. Penney Company in Austin.

Clarence Priestley, Jr.’s, keen business sense, talent for selling, and flair for dressing eventually led him, at the age of 30, to be one of the first black entrepreneurs in Austin to establish a successful business in an integrated community. Priestley’s Ottoman Inc. was a clothing store that opened in 1971 in Highland Mall. Priestley’s Ottoman became one of the attractions for the African-American community—a black-owned men’s clothing store. In the center of the store sits an antique ottoman which has been featured in films and was President Eisenhower’s favorite chair. The store almost became a tourist attraction and was sense of pride for the community. Later, he would open another store in Northcross Mall in Austin. He also opened clothing stores in Birmingham, Alabama; Atlanta, Georgia; and San Antonio, Texas. His other businesses included a business strip center, a ranching operation, a real estate firm, a wholesale auto parts business, and Longbranch Barbeque Restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama. Clarence’s success served as inspiration to other black men to raise their sights, be innovative and serve a larger community. Many new businesses sprouted from his example. Clarence was a founding member of the Austin National Business League and he mentored countless young men and women on being positive and successful in life. He also taught them tools for success in business.

Clarence has served on the board of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, Boy’s Club, and on numerous education boards. He was an officer and instrumental in the founding of the Capital City Chamber of Commerce, an African-American business organization. He has received numerous awards and honors for both his business accomplishments and his philanthropic endeavors. He has given thousands of dollars to churches, charities and civic causes. The Mayor, Lee Leffingwell, of the City of Austin proclaimed April 26, 2014, as Clarence Priestley, Jr., day.

Clarence Priestley, Jr., professed a hope in Christ in his early teens. He served as a member of Black’s Memorial Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized under the auspices of the late Reverend F.P Robinson. For the last 20 years, Clarence joyfully served at the Greater Bethel Baptist Church, where he became an ordained deacon in 2001.

He was united in holy matrimony to Lerece Jones and Shawana Freeman, unto each of these unions two children were born. Later, on September 28, 1996, he married Johnnie Gregory in holy matrimony.

Clarence attended elementary at Emile School in Bastrop, Texas, Kealing Junior High School in Austin, Texas, and the legendary L.C Anderson High School in Austin, Texas. Clarence is a graduate of Huston-Tillotson College with a Bachelor of Arts in business administration and a minor in economics. Clarence received an honorable discharge from the Navy.

Clarence was proceeded in death by his parents, Clarence Orshley Priestley and Martha Priestley; brother, Wayne Priestley; and sisters, Joyce Carol Priestley and Lucendy Allen.

He leaves to cherish in his memory, his loving and devoted wife of 23 years, Johnnie Priestley; daughters, Sonja Prevo of Austin and Shamia Priestley of San Antonio; sons, Clarence Priestley III (Kimberly) of Pflugerville and Clayton Priestley (Nicey) of San Antonio; three bonus daughters, Lanecia Williams (Rodney) of Dallas, TriSean Obey of Dallas and Ashley Obey of Austin; surviving siblings, Alice Brown, Iris Carr and Shirley Johnson; grandchildren, Kiah Prevo, Keonna Priestley, Braylon Priestley, Brandon Hines, Krystal Hines, Kierra Obey, Mariah Obey, Tiarra Obey, Jeremy Jackson, Jalyn Jackson, Jarrod Jackson, Azaria Priestley, Moriah Priestley, Gianna Priestley, Victoria Priestley, and Eliana Priestley; great-grandchild, Karrington Brown; and host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.