Clarence Monroe Thurmond, Jr.

Clarence Monroe Thurmond, Jr., 66, of Ballinger passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at Ballinger Memorial Hospital.

He was born January 11, 1944 in Gates, Tennessee to Clarence Monroe, Sr. and Beulah (Riggs) Thurmond and was the oldest child of a very large family. He enlisted in the Navy in 1963 and was a cook, advancing to a dining supervisor position. Military service became his career, and he willingly and proudly served his country thirty years until his retirement. He earned recognition and received decoration for his military career, including a Vietnam Service Medal and a National Defense Service Medal. He also attended college for a time in the 1980's. He and his wife, Myra, were married October 25, 1984.

Preceding him in death were his parents, three sisters, one brother, and one great-granddaughter.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Myra of Ballinger; sons, Cary of Sweetwater, Thomas of Ballinger, and Michael of California; daughters, Catheryn of Ballinger, Shelly and Lisa both of California. Also surviving are nine brothers and sisters, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, January 15 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 16 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Ballinger. Burial with military honors will be later that day in Snyder, Texas at 2:30 p.m. at the Snyder Cemetery.