Clarence Wesley Williams
Clarence Wesley Williams, 86, transitioned peacefully on Monday, August 4, 2025.
He was born in Toccoa, Ga., to the late Walter and Willard Williams. Clarence was educated in the Georgia public school system and graduated from Whitman Street High School in 1958. He went on to attend Tennessee State A&I University in Nashville.
Prior to retirement, Clarence worked as a foreman supervisor with TVA Sequoyah Nuclear Plant and a master carpenter with Raines Brothers, Inc. A proud veteran, he retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve after serving in the Gulf War during Operation Desert Storm. Clarence was also a Mason with the Hyksos Temple 123 and a charter member and Deacon of New Horizon Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his beloved and devoted wife, Ellen Foster Williams, and his cherished wife, Shirley A. (Elder) Williams, both of Chattanooga; his parents, Walter and Willard Williams of Gainesville and Toccoa, respectively; his eldest brother, Robert Williams; and his sister, Esther (Williams) Shackelford.
Left to cherish his memory are his children: Aaron Higginbotham of Wake Forest, N.C., Eric (Pamela) Williams of Nashville, and Errol (Natalia) Williams of Chattanooga. He is also survived by his beloved grandson, Errin Wesley Williams of Nashville, and granddaughter, McKinley Merritt of Knoxville.
Clarence is also survived by his siblings, Fred (Geraldine, deceased), Truman (Janet), Harry (Racheal) Williams, and Marilyn (Williams) Lott - along with many nieces, nephews, and special friends whom he loved deeply and held close to his heart.
Visitation and public viewing will be held on Sunday, Aug. 17, from 2–6 p.m. at John P. Franklin Funeral Home. A graveside service with military honors will take place on Monday, Aug. 18, at 11 a.m. in the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hearth Hospice of Chattanooga, 513 Georgia Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37403, or Chattanooga Area Veterans Council, https://www.chattareaveterans.com/donate
Arrangements are made by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37404, 423 622-9995.