He was born in Lanier, Georgia on February 15, 1923. He was married to Inez Lee, in Detroit, Michigan for 64 years. He confessed Christ as a young man. He attended the Seventh Day Adventist Church where he became a Deacon and sung in a Men’s Quartet. Later he joined Thankful Baptist Church beside his wife.
He had a passion for reading, cooking, sports and having fun with his grandchildren. He loved to make up “goody bags” for them taking them to Belle Island for long rides and ice cream. He was a great story teller, especially when talking about growing up in the south and his experiences during World War II. He traveled to Germany, Italy, France and Belgium and could still remember some of the languages spoken there. He was such a good story teller that the Department of the Army recorded his life story on a DVD that may be added to the Library of Congress.
He always acknowledged that he only had a 6th grade education, but later went back to school to earn his GED. He was a self-taught man in many ways and was a lifelong learner. He earned certificates in electrical work and refrigeration.
He was survived by his Daughter Lucille Payne; 4 grandchildren, Carmen Ausborn (Lafayette), Richard Payne (Minda), Inez Fields and Jefri Payne (Tymika); 15 great grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren. A host of Nieces and Nephews, with special thanks to Darrell and Ruby Stewart and Elder Earl Herman who visited and kept the family connected to the Patriarch of the family “Uncle Clarence”.
Clarence was proceeded in death by his wife Inez, Mother & Father - Sarah Jane and General Stewart, Sisters: Annie Mae Brown and Ronella Smith,, Lillybell (Jency) Chisolm, and Julie Stewart; and Brothers: Radford Stewart, Iverson Stewart, Charles Stewart, Fred Stewart, Bobby Stewart, Brady Stewart, and Sonboy Stewart.