Clarence Bill Gulsby, Sr.

May 11, 2012

On Friday, May 11, 2012, life-long Molino resident, Clarence Bill Gulsby, Sr. went to be with his Heavenly Father. Born at home in Molino on October 24, 1932, Clarence lived on the family property his entire life.

He graduated from J.M. Tate High School in 1950. He was active in the FFA at Tate being awarded the FFA Mechanic Award which took him to Washington, DC, to meet President Harry S. Truman. Clarence went on to serve in the Army during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return to Molino, he went to work for Champion Paper Co., retiring after 42 years. Clarence was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a third generation blacksmith and owner/operator of Gulsby Blacksmith & Welding for over 50 years. Clarence loved his community and over the years had many accomplishments, including getting local dialing between Molino and other areas of Escambia County. He loved farming, gardening, raising cattle and singing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Elige “Bill” Gulsby and Zora Pugh Gulsby; brothers, Mason, Edgar, Aubrey “Peck”, Elby, and O.J.; sister, Lois Gulsby Boyington; granddaughter, Shana Marie Sanders; cousin, and life-long friend, James Edward Pugh.

Clarence is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Glenda Harigel Gulsby; sister, Wanda Gulsby Henderson; daughter, Glenda Sue Garrett; sons, Clarence Bill Gulsby, Jr. and his wife, Debbie, Harold Wayne Gulsby and his wife, Abbie; grandchildren, Susan Wyse-Wright, Cassey Gulsby Surles and her husband, Steve, Dellaina Gulsby Jordan, and William Aaron Gulsby; great grandchildren, Lyndzi Wright and Aubree Jordan. He is also survived by seven step grandchildren and 22 step great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He loved and adored his family as much as life itself.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, 2012, at Faith Chapel North Funeral Home, 1000 Hwy 29, Cantonment, with Rev. Fred Stallworth and Rev. Ed Cotton officiating. Burial will follow in Oliver Pugh Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Frank Gulsby, Alan Gulsby, Keevan Pugh, Jerry Gulsby, Joe Summerlin and Ricky Boyington. Honorary pallbearers will be Harold Holder, Wendall Hall, Gene Valentino, Kevin Biggs, Kevin White, James “Jim” Sanders, John Sims, Dennis Rigby, Wilson Robertson and Larry Walker.

The family will receive friends at Faith Chapel North from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 14.

Comments

4 Responses to “Clarence Bill Gulsby, Sr.”

  1. Teresa Arnold on May 17th, 2012 3:06 pm

    To Mrs. Gulsby, Sue, Bill, Debbie, Wayne & the rest of the family,
    I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I just saw the obit here & was unaware he had passed. Sorry I missed the services, too. You will all be in my prayers.

    May God Bless You All

  2. Donald Dixon Jr. on May 13th, 2012 10:09 pm

    Knowing this family for 42 years I am so sorry to hear the loss of a man that was a true icon of this community. One by one we watch this generation of responsible providers leave this world. Filling the shoes of these great troopers is going to be a real challenge for all of us. Bill, Wayne, Sue, Glenda and family our prayers go out to you all. Clarence will be missed by many and remembered for many many years to come.

  3. Lester Lambright on May 11th, 2012 8:49 pm

    Glenda, we will truly miss Clarence. We really enjoyed him coming to the feed store and cutting up with him. The conversation almost always got around to policts. Always enjoyed listening to him tell stories about the old days or days gone past.

    We’re praying for you, Bill, Debbie and your entire family. Praying God will comfort and guide you during this difficult time.

    Let us know if there is anything we can do.

    Lester
    Southern Mill and Supply

  4. Mike Amerson on May 11th, 2012 6:15 pm

    Wayne, your father was a good man and he will be missed by many. I’ll miss him helping me with my weight by giving me that homemade fruit cake. I think I could have eaten my weight in that stuff and I’m glad they never made me do a PBT after eating it at work. He was known all over Escambia County and Santa Rosa. He was always up for company and enjoyed every day of his life. If we can do anything for you and your family, please give us a call. Mike/Jennifer and family. 255-6203

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries