Clarence W. Via Sr.

Clarence Washington Via Sr.,  age 80, a long time resident of McDowell County resided in Northfork, West Virginia.  He departed this life on Sunday, June 9, 2024 in Beckley, West Virginia, at the Bowers Hospice House, following a long illness.  He was born in Bluefield, West Virginia on the 5th day of June, 1944 to the late Vera Via.  After completing his education, he joined the work force and had tirelessly worked in several capacities, until retiring as a truck driver for Double J&Star Trucking Company in Springfield, Virginia.  Clarence was known as a "Jack-of-all trades."  He was gifted to work with his hands to repair, fix or build.  He was a long time member of Emmanuel Tabernacle Church in Kimball, West Virginia and enjoyed attending Church Services all over the area, as he was a member of the Community of Praise Singers.  His family and friends will remember him as one who loved the Lord, he was generous and kind to others and compassionate to the less fortunate.  Dressing well, traveling and singing were at the top of his "to do list," as well as cooking, watching movies and game shows.  He was a 'die hard' Dallas Cowboys' fan and will be remembered for his humor and a laugh like no other.  Clarence was preceded in death by his mother, Vera Via; Elder George and Louise Bowles and Elsie Barksdale, who helped raise him; his former wife, Mary Via and his children:  Ronald Barnett Sr., Timothy Johnson Sr., and Toni Fowler; one granddaughter, Ramona Danielle Johnson.  Those left to cherish his memories are his children:  Curtis Sr., and wife, Jeanette Barnett of Fairview, Texas, Ellis Barnett Sr.,  of Kimball, Cynthia Johnson-Robinson of Prosper, Texas, Clarence W. Via Jr., of Columbus, Ohio and Steven L. Via of Princeton, West Virginia; his grandchildren:  Tamira Sawyers-Hightower, Latarsha Johnson, Leteshia  Barnett, Ronald Barnett Jr., Curtis Barnett II., Dr. Marquis Barnett, Timothy Johnson Jr., Sharissa Allen, Timara Johnson-Dyer, Benita Collier, Antonio Barnett, Chantal Woodward, Trenton Stanley, Ellis Barnett Jr., Stephanie Barnett, Antonio Price and Johnathan Barnett;  a host of great-grandchildren, his nephews, nieces and special niece, Shirley Hayes-George; his great-nephews, great-nieces and his special long time friend, Ann Easley.  Clarence Washington Via Sr.'s, Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, June 21, 2024 at Emmanuel Tabernacle Church 53 Chestnut Street in Kimball.  Interment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Gardens, 6605 New Hope Road in Bluewell, West Virginia.  His sons and grandsons will serve as pallbearers.  Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM at the Church.  Services entrusted to Gregory-Page Funeral Home in Welch, West Virginia.