Clarence made his home in Grand Prairie, Texas his entire life and graduated from Grand Prairie HS in 1964. From there he joined his beloved United States Marine Corps and served honorably during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged but in keeping with the Marine motto - Semper Fidelis - he was faithful to the Corps and always considered himself "Once a Marine, Always a Marine".
He served as a Grand Prairie Police Department reserve officer from 1968-1975, rising to the rank of Lieutenant.
Clarence married his best friend, Karen, on July 11, 2017.
Clarence was previously married for over 25 years and had three girls that he loved to the end - Carmen, Carrie, and Caseye.
For the last 11 years Clarence has owned G. Willickers Pub in Arlington, Texas. Before that he was a successful Vice-President of Sales for TomCo Services.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Grider; three daughters, Carmen Grider-Luke and her husband Charles, Carrie Grider-Thompson and her husband Paul, and Caseye Grider-Smith and her husband Jason; eight grandchildren – Cayden, Carson, Jacy, Codi, Matthew, John, Tyler and Connor; his sister, Linda Tinnerman and his brother, Danny Grider and his wife Kathy, and a host of nieces and nephews as well as other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, May Bell, and his father, Son, and his two sisters Gwen Grider-Howell and LaWanna Grider.
Clarence was a Christian and loved his Lord. He was forever young; lived life to the fullest; never met a stranger; loved his Dallas Cowboys and his rescue dog, Sonny. He was loved by all. Gone too soon but will never be forgotten. Forever in our hearts!
The family will receive guests Saturday, January 5, 2019, beginning at 1pm, at Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home, 2951 S Belt Line Rd, Grand Prairie, Tx. The funeral services will begin at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, family is requesting donations be made to Community Hospice of Texas, a non profit organization.
