Clarence Edward Parker passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025. He was born in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, to Lucy Mae and Otho Lee Parker, the 6th of nine children.

He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age.

Clarence attended Spotsylvania County Public Schools and graduated from John J. Wright High School in 1966. His outstanding athletic ability earned him the nickname “Chance” from his football coach. After high school, he was drafted into the United States Army, serving his country with honor, including a year spent in Saigon, Vietnam. After completing two years of military service, he matriculated to Norfolk State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education in 1973.

Clarence built a career that spanned from management in retail to a career in education. He began his professional journey with JCPenney, where he worked 16 years in management and later devoted 21 years to teaching within Henrico County Public Schools. In addition to his classroom contributions, he inspired countless students through sports as he coached football, boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball, girls’ softball, football and track. He had a lifelong passion for hunting, especially the memorable times he spent with his brothers. He was a long-standing supporter of the Redskins, now the Washington Commanders.

He was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Clarence was known for being very handy in and outside the house. He also enjoyed restoring his classic white 62 Chevy.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, Lucy Mae Parker and Otho Lee Parker; his son, Shawn Pratt; his sister, Maebelle Alsop; his brothers, Nathaniel, John Henry (sister-in-law Bertha), and Clinton (sister-in-law Clara).

He is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Elaine of 49 1/2 years; daughters, Ikaya, Erika, and Isha; granddaughter, Kaylah; grandson, Kaiden; brothers, Willie (Linda), Wendell (Ethel), Russell (Debbie); sister Patricia (Stanley), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.