Clarence Earl Spottsville, Jr
Photo
Clarence's obituary
Clarence E. Spottsville Jr.
March 16, 1948 – May 7, 2025
Clarence Earl Spottsville Jr., a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant, electrical engineer, mathematician, and beloved father, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, at Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria, Louisiana.
Born in Alexandria, Clarence was the only child of the late Clarence E. Spottsville Sr. and Beatrice Wallace Spottsville—both pioneering educators and civic leaders. Raised in a household grounded in education, faith, and public service, Clarence embodied the values passed down to him.
A gifted student with a deep love for science and mathematics, Clarence graduated at the top of his class from Peabody Magnet High School and went on to earn a degree in Technical Aeronautics from Tennessee State University in 1971. He proudly served his country as a U.S. Navy Lieutenant during the Vietnam War era, specializing in weapons delivery systems, aircraft logistics, and maintenance operations. He was stationed across the United States and the Pacific and was honorably discharged in 1983 with the National Defense Service Medal.
He was the Senior Vice Commander of Disabled American Veterans (Paul P. Benoit Memorial Chapter 7), a role in which he continued his lifelong commitment to service and to supporting fellow veterans.
After his military service, Clarence pursued a wide range of entrepreneurial ventures and hobbies spanning engineering, education, and computer programming. He taught algebra and was especially gifted in trigonometry, often challenging others with complex math problems and magic squares that showcased his sharp mind. In the 1990s, he built his first home computer with his son Cornelius. In recent years, he enjoyed a flight simulator setup, where he revisited his love of aviation virtually with precision and joy.
Clarence was also known as “The Satellite Man” for his work in installing satellite systems across Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi during the tech boom of the 1980s and ’90s. He was a skilled beekeeper, active in the Louisiana Beekeepers Association, and maintained hives at the family farm in Colfax. He spent years planting crops, tending pecan trees, and raising cattle—farming with the same care and ingenuity he applied to every part of life.
He also worked as a professional photographer for the Rapides Parish Fair, capturing memories for the community through his creative eye and technical skills.
Clarence’s curiosity knew no limits. He was a thinker, a strategist, and a man who found joy in both quiet study and spirited conversation. Whether watching a boxing match, solving a complex puzzle, or tracing constellations through a telescope, he moved through life with wonder and focus.
As his cousin Larry Spottsville recalled:
“He enjoyed playing chess and stargazing with his powerful telescopes. He was also an aircraft navigator. I remember when he took me to Jacksonville, Florida, at age 17. I watched him board a fighter jet, fully suited in his pilot uniform. It was unforgettable.”
Clarence also played the saxophone and piano recreationally, enjoying music as a private and personal form of expression.
Once, while visiting his son Cornelius in New Orleans, Clarence witnessed a second-line parade. He admired how it transformed mourning into celebration and shared that he wouldn’t want people to be saddened at his passing—but instead to celebrate a life fully lived. He saw beauty in that tradition: music, movement, and memory are interwoven in joy.
He was the proud father of four sons:
• Clarence Earl Spottsville III, with former spouse Shirlie A. Ceasar,
• Christopher Spottsville, with former spouse Iris Virginia Lane,
• Cornelius “Seth” Spottsville, and
• Conrad Spottsville, with former spouse Marilou Jamilla Spottsville.
He was a devoted grandfather to:
• L’Antwanique Washington, Connie Arnold, and Clarence Spottsville IV — children of Clarence Earl Spottsville III;
• Netanya Spottsville Stewart, Faith Spottsville, Christopher Spottsville Jr., Jerry Spottsville, Papi Spottsville, and Chrissy Spottsville — children of Christopher Spottsville.
Clarence was also a proud great-grandfather to 13 and counting great-grandchildren, each a new branch of the legacy he leaves behind.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his foster sister, Theria Spottsville Hall; and several beloved family members from the Wallace and Spottsville lineages.
Clarence’s life was one of intellect, curiosity, humility, and quiet strength. To his family, he was a steady guide; to his fellow sailors, a loyal brother-in-arms; and to his neighbors and friends, a brilliant mind who could fix a satellite dish, explain orbital mechanics, and share a warm jar of honey—sometimes all in one visit.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Robinson Family Mortuary, 1815 Military Hwy, Pineville, LA 71360. For more information, contact Robinson Family Mortuary at (318) 442-7300 or visit robinsonfm.com.
His ashes will be respectfully placed at the Spottsville family farm in Colfax, Louisiana, and in the Red River—two places deeply meaningful to him and his family.
In place of flowers, donations may be made to the Peabody High School Scholarship Foundation, the Louisiana Beekeepers Association, or through the family’s GoFundMe at:
Your kindness and support are deeply appreciated.
Send to someone
Want to stay updated?
Send flowers
Memories & condolences
Send flowers
Share this memorial website
Share with others
