Clarence Wilson

Mr. Clarence Wilson lived a life of service, citizenship and excellence. He was born on August 28, 1936 to Roy Wilson and Hazel (Cravens) Wilson in Lockesburg, Arkansas. He and his family moved to Little Rock, Arkansas where he attended Dunbar High School. Clarence was Vice-President of his class and a member of the National Honors Society. He graduated as Salutatorian of his high school class in 1955. He later attended Philander Smith College and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where he graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology. Clarence continued his education at The Ohio State University where he graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Microbiology in 1965. He continued Doctoral work in Microbiology at The Ohio State University.

Mr. Wilson showed his commitment to service by joining the Army in 1966, proudly serving in San Antonio, Hawaii, and South Korea as a Microbiology Lab Supervisor. He returned to the states in 1976 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. Clarence continued his service in the Army Reserves and achieved a final rank of Lieutenant Colonel, while working as a Microbiologist at Walter Reed Army Hospital. Continuing his life’s theme of service, Retired Lieutenant Colonel Wilson transitioned to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Consumer Safety Officer. He considered it an honor and privilege to insure that medical devices were safe for the public. He took this responsibility very seriously and was awarded the Special Recognition Award for the Protective Restraints Device Work Group. Clarence retired from the FDA after over 30 years of service.

Clarence Wilson was a strong believer in citizenship. He believed that we are all responsible for improving our respective communities. He was very politically active in his community, constantly writing his local, state and national representatives to hold them accountable. Often, he would attend Town Hall meetings to make sure that the political representatives addressed the issues affecting their communities. He was a strong believer that good government could improve the lives of its citizens by implementing strong social policy.

Excellence was a key value in how Clarence lived his life. He believed that learning was a life-long journey which did not end with graduation. He continued to develop his knowledge and appreciation for history and the arts. Clarence was a long-time member of the Washington D.C. and Maryland Civil War Roundtables, where he would attend lectures, participate in debates, and lead discussions on various battles in the war. In addition, Mr. Wilson believed that participation in the performing arts improved the growth and development of an individual. Clarence supported the arts through memberships at The Arena Stage, The Shakespearean Theater and The Kennedy Center. He believed the melding of knowledge and the arts would allow for the achievement of true excellence.

Clarence was preceded in death by his father Roy Wilson, mother Hazel (Cravens) Wilson, and sister Doris J. Davis. He is survived by his former wife and friend Dr. Peggy Wilson from Dayton, OH; his son Dr. Stephen Wilson (Robin) and grandchildren Avery and Amari Wilson from Cincinnati, OH. He is also survived by a brother Thomas Wilson of Tewksbury, MA; sister Roylene Reed of Toledo, OH; nephew Karl Wilson of Fayetteville, NC; nephew Timothy L. Reed of Toledo, OH; niece Alberta (Michael) Freeman of Ypsilanti, MI; and great-nieces Kaila and Samantha Wilson of Fayetteville, NC. He also leaves behind a number of cherished cousins, former colleagues and dear friends.

Clarence Wilson led a life of service to his family, friends and community. He was a devoted father and grandfather, a loving brother and uncle, and a loyal and supportive friend. His commitment to lifelong learning and excellence is a model that should inspire us all. While we will miss him, his knowledge, wisdom and character will continue to live in all who knew him.