Clarence Small

Obituary For Clarence Small

Mr. Clarence Edward Small passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026 at his residence.

Clarence “Bae-Bae” Edward Small was born on April 2, 1947, in Plymouth, North Carolina to the late Albert Sydney Small and Clara Bell Small. On February 8, 2026, he peacefully transitioned in Greensboro, North Carolina, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to his family and community.

Clarence received his early education in the Washington County Union School system, where he attended from kindergarten through twelfth grade. During his high school years, he distinguished himself as a talented athlete playing baseball and basketball. He later attended North Carolina Central University, studying Business Administration. While in college, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the Army Reserves as a medic and faithfully serving for six years.

After college, Clarence moved to New York where he began his professional career at William Etsy Advertising Agency. In 1970, Clarence married the love of his life, Beverly Norman Small, beginning a beautiful partnership filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. Together they built a strong and loving family. In 1973, Clarence and Beverly welcomed their first son, Damien Small. In 1974, they made Greensboro, North Carolina their home and welcomed their second son Karlin Small in 1978.

Clarence continued his professional journey at WFMY News 2, where he served as a respected Sales Executive. Known for his professionalism, dedication, and personable spirit, Clarence enjoyed a successful career at the station until his retirement in 2014. Over the years, he received numerous awards and recognitions for both his professional accomplishments and coaching career. He gave back to the community by coaching recreational basketball at the local YMCA, mentoring many young people and shaping lives through encouragement and discipline. He was also a proud member of the Greensboro Chapter of National Epicureans, Incorporated.

Clarence lived life fully and passionately. He was a devoted supporter of North Carolina A&T State University. Along with Beverly, they enjoyed many years of tailgating and attending Aggie games as season pass holders. As a true connoisseur of food, he enjoyed discovering new flavors and sharing meals with loved ones. He followed politics and world news closely, loved playing pool, flying model planes, and watching sports (especially HIS Dallas Cowboys). Music of all genres filled his home, and he took pride in keeping his yard beautifully manicured. Known for his generosity, Clarence often opened his home to college students who needed guidance, support, or simply a warm place to feel welcomed. He was a faithful supporter of Bethel AME Church in Greensboro.

Those who knew Clarence will remember him as a gentle giant, loving, intelligent, clever, athletic, and remarkably tech-savvy. He was honest, straightforward and deeply caring. A mentor to many and a source of wisdom and encouragement to countless young people. His personal philosophy guided his life: “I will not worry about yesterday or tomorrow, but I will keep living for today.”

Clarence leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Beverly Norman Small; his sons, Damien Small of Smyrna, GA, and Karlin (Myrtis) Small of Douglasville, GA; He was a devoted grandfather to Roman and Kaylin Small, who brought him immense joy and pride; his brother, Albert Sydney Small Jr. (Barbara) of Newark, NJ; his sisters, Sarah Swinney (Layton) of Hartsville, SC, and Geraldine Mason of Williamston, NC; his brothers-in-law, William Davenport of Plymouth, NC, and Winfred Norman (Gale) of Plymouth, NC; his aunt, Parris Jacobs of Plymouth, NC; KaMesha of Charlotte, NC; his adopted “mother in love” Mrs. Juanita Giles, and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Thelma Bryant, Annie Small-Davenport, and Barbara Small; brothers-in laws, Bradley Norman, Billie Mason, and Waverly Bryant Sr.

Clarence Edward Small’s life was a testament to love, service, mentorship, and joy. His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the community he strengthened through his kindness, wisdom, and generous spirit.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Bethel AME Church located at 200 North Regan Street, Greensboro, North Carolina. Visitation will be held prior to the service at 12:30 pm.

Burial will take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 11 am at Lakeview Memorial Park located at 3600 North O'Henry Boulevard, Greensboro, North Carolina.

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