Dates
A Life Well Lived
Clarence Ertel Willis was born December 9, 1929, the second child of Charlie and Ruth Willis in Temple, TX. The family relocated to Sonora where his father worked as a farm laborer. Because of the lack of proper schools in Sonora, his mother convinced his dad to move to nearby San Angelo. He attended elementary school and Blackshear High School in San Angelo where he played football and tennis. He graduated from high school in 1947 and was valedictorian of his class. Clarence then attended Texas College in Tyler, TX majoring in biology. He had a deep love for sports and later became a basketball referee for the then Blackshear Junior High.
He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Frances Smith in 1947 and to that union two loving daughters were born: Gwendolyn Elaine and Sandra Kaye.
A Life of Dedicated Service
Throughout his life, Clarence touched countless hearts with his compassion and wisdom. His dedication to community service and commitment to helping others will long be remembered and deeply missed. Early on he was a member of Prince Hall's Masonry Jackson Lodge #15 and was a founding member of the San Angelo Consistory #288, now known as the Lorenzo Enox Consistory and served as its secretary. The organization's focus was getting young men off the streets and mentoring them. In 1990 he became a 33rd Degree Mason.
Clarence was an active member of Habitat for Humanity having served on its Board of Directors and was elected as Site Chairman with the responsibility of selecting sites for home construction.
At the age of 21 he became actively involved in the St. Paul African American Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church as one of the youngest members of its Official Board. He eventually served as Pastor pro temp for every pastor of St. Paul. He was elected as a delegate to the Lay Biennial (A.M.E.) Church meeting. Later he was elected as a delegate to the A.M.E. General Conference's international body which is held every four years. For four consecutive terms (16 years) he served on various committees, most notably the Episcopal Committee, which had the important distinction of qualifying candidates for the bishopric as well receiving 4-year reports of the bishops' activities.
In the 1970's C.W. was instrumental in organizing a Black golfers' club consisting of San Angelo, Big Springs, Midland, Odessa, Abilene and Big Lake which sponsored biannual tournaments with proceeds going to indigent people in their communities.
Those He Remembered
In his lifetime he was privileged to have shared memories with the following: his beloved wife of 75+ years, Mary Frances; his parents, Charlie and Ruth Willis; his siblings, Charlesetta Garret, Robert Charles Willis, Lewis Willis, Horace Willis Sr.
Remembering His Spirit
Though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the memories we have shared and the values he instilled in those of us around him. We will forever cherish the moments spent together and honor his memory by carrying forward his example of kindness and strength. These are we who cherish his memory: Daughters: Gwendolyn Osborne (Louis) and Sandra Carrier (Rodney) both of Houston, TX; Grandchildren: Yolanda O. Kohn (David), Danny Osborne (Shirley), Joy Osborne, Cecily Carrier, Gentry Carrier, Maurice Fisher (Melinda); 11 Great Grandchildren; 2 Great-Great Grandchildren; Brothers: Hubert Willis (Bobbie), John Willis, and Frank Willis; and a host of nieces and nephews, particularly Horace (Boo) Willis Jr (Keisha), and Tiffany Wheeler-Davis (William); as well as a regiment of relatives and a cadre of close friends.
Let Us Not Forget
We have gathered here today to remember and celebrate the life of our beloved Clarence Ertel Willis. A cherished family member, who brought warmth and kindness to everyone he met. His legacy is one of love, generosity, and unwavering support for friends and family alike. Let us leave here and try to emulate his life well-lived.
Visitation and Services
Public viewing will be from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at Robert Massie Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Funeral Services will be at 1:00 PM on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ. Burial will follow in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.