Clarence William Manson

On Monday, November 6, 2023, The Love of my life peacefully took his last breath and went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He loved the Lord and received baptism at an early age in Darrington Baptist Church. He was a member of Morning Star Baptist Church, at 2717 N. Armistead Avenue, in Hampton, VA. After many years battling Kidney Disease, Agent Orange and many other illnesses.

Clarence was born in Lynchburg, VA on December 6, 1948 to the late Matthew R. Manson, Sr. and Katherine G. Manson. Clarence was the third child born from this union of six siblings. He attended Darrington Elementary and Dunbar High schools where he played football and was a mighty force on the field. In his hometown of Lynchburg, VA., he was known as Meticow. He went to Norfolk State College on a full football scholarship where he majored in Physical Education, and met the love of his life, Gloria A. Goode.

The selective service came calling and he took the placement test for the United States Air Force (AF), passed and entered the AF in 1969. He wanted to see the world and the military provided him with that opportunity. He completed basic training in San Antonio, TX. and was sent to Udorn and Royal Thai AF Bases, Thailand where he completed two tours of duties. His AF Specialty Code was Maintenance Mechanic, and he had exceptional knowledge of many different aircrafts. Clarence often stated, “his job was to keep the planes flying, and in tip top shape for the pilots.” While in the military, he received many awards, and recognition for his outstanding knowledge and abilities. Clarence loved the AF and was stationed at many bases in the states such as Myrtle Beach in SC, and George in CA AFBs; and overseas, such as Lakenheath and Bentwaters in England AFBs. He was known to many as Foots Manson and Mobility Machine King at Langley AFB, VA.

After retiring from the AF in 1990, Clarence went to work for Siemens Corporation in Newport News, VA for 18 years.

Clarence and Gloria married on April 28, 1978. They loved and worshiped the Lord, traveled, sang and enjoyed each other’s company.

He was preceded in death by his parents Matthew R. Manson, Sr. and Katherine G. Manson; two brothers: Matthew R. Manson, Jr., and Eddie Manson; and a niece Renee Manson.

Clarence is survived by his loving wife, Gloria Goode Manson. Three sisters: Deborah (Albert) Staley from Datzell, SC; Minnie Manson and Kathy Robinson, Lynchburg, VA; Brother-in-law Albert (Linda) Goode from Brockton, MA; Brother-in-law Samuel Wynn from Fredericksburg, VA; Aunt Bertha Williams from Marrietta, GA; two nephews Maury and Lance Wynn, Fredericksburg, VA; and a niece Zenobia (Kenneth) Davis from Fredericksburg, VA. Special boyhood friends that comforted him during his illness: Arthur Ross, Rueben Smith and Larry Rucker. Many cousins and friends, and his dog Cocoa.

The family will receive friends on Friday, November 10, 2023 from 5:00-8:00PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., for a public visitation. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00AM on Saturday, November 11, 2023, after a second visitation that begins at 9:00AM, at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. The Mausoleum interment, will full United States Air Force Honors will take place immediately following the chapel service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the American Kidney Association.