Clarence Ferdinand Wallace, Sr. was born February 4, 1948 in St. Stephen, SC, a son of the late Franklin R. Wallace and Clarissa Barton Wallace Burke.

Clarence graduated from Russellville High School in 1966. He received a Bachelor degree in Physical Education with a minor in Health Education from Claflin University, Orangeburg, SC.

Clarence was united in holy matrimony to Ora Lee "Jerri" Addison on December 22, 1968, and to this union four children were born: Clarence, Jr., Sonti, Melissa and Thaddeus.

Clarence grew up in St. Paul United Methodist Church which later became Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church. He served there faithfully for over 50 years in many capacities to include: Young Adult Choir Director, Head Trustee, Class Leader, Usher, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, and member of the United Methodist Men. Clarence also sang with the Male Choir and the Senior Choir.

Clarence was no stranger to hard work. He began his career working in the manufacturing industry. He was employed at Utica Tool Company, Inc. and Georgia Pacific, Chemical Division. Clarence later became an entrepreneur where he owned and operated Jerri's Beauty Supplies, a sales distributorship of McBride Laboratories.

Clarence loved vacationing with his family. He made it a priority where he committed to spending the same week every year for more than 35 years at the family's favorite destination, Hilton Head Island.  Farming was in his blood. He enjoyed planting multiple gardens and sharing the harvest of his labor with the community. Clarence was an avid cook. He enjoyed using his talents to help others, especially when barbecuing and  baking his signature pound cake. He always ensured the family began the day with a full cooked-to-order hot breakfast. Because of his true dedication to his family, Clarence was affectionately called 'Big Daddy'.

Clarence departed this life on Friday, May 7, 2021 at his residence in St. Stephen, SC.

Clarence leaves to cherish his memories: his devoted wife of 52 years, Ora Lee "Jerri" Wallace; four children, Clarence (Christine) Wallace, Jr. of Irmo, SC, Sonti (Robert) Manuel of St. Stephen, SC, Melissa (Keith) Johnson of Charlotte, NC and Thaddeus Wallace of St. Stephen, SC; seven grandchildren, Clarence Wallace, III, Clarissa Wallace, Sadé Gethers, Shawn Gethers, Jr., Brandi Manuel, MaKenzie Johnson and KeMari Johnson; three great-grandchildren, Adorrian Gethers, Karson and Arianna Anderson; one brother, Nathaniel (Bernice) Wallace of St. Stephen, SC; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Graveside Service will be held Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Memorial Gardens, St. Stephen, SC. The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gethersfh

Please wear a face mask and practice social distancing at both the viewing and the service.