Mr. Clarence Henry Baxley, III

Affectionately known to his family as “Man” and to his high school classmates as “Piglet,” Clarence Henry Baxley III was born on July 17, 1970, in Columbia, South Carolina. He received his early education in the Richland County School System and graduated from Eau Claire High School (ECHS) in 1988.

During his time at Eau Claire High, Clarence was a proud member of the football team and the school chorus. He was voted “Most Humorous” by his classmates and was known as the spirited “hype man” for the ECHS basketball team, always bringing joy, laughter, and energy wherever he went. Clarence had a deep love for music, fashion, and football and could often be found cheering for his favorite teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Clarence dedicated his life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Louisiana. After returning to South Carolina, he joined Haskell Heights First Baptist Church, where he served faithfully in the music ministry. He sang with the Youth for Christ, Voices of Deliverance, and the Male Chorus, sharing his gift of song and love for worship.

After high school, Clarence attended the University of South Carolina before answering a higher calling to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Army, where he served honorably for 10 years. His service took him to Tacoma, Washington, where he built lasting friendships and developed a deep connection to the Pacific Northwest. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, Clarence, known to many as “C-Note,” chose to make Tacoma his home.

Clarence approached every chapter of his life with pride and poise, values that became the motto he lived by and the legacy he leaves behind. Whether in uniform, at work, or among friends, he carried himself with quiet confidence, integrity, and an unshakeable sense of self.

Following his military service, Clarence worked in various capacities, most recently as a contract laborer. In every role, he led with humor, humility, and heart. To those who worked beside him, he was not only a reliable coworker but also a mentor and friend, especially to the young men who looked up to him for guidance, wisdom, and encouragement.

In 1992, Clarence joined the Masonic Order, where he was a dedicated and active Past Master of Pride of Washington Lodge No. 98. He was also a proud member of Capital City Consistory No. 106 and Yemen Temple No. 152.

Clarence was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart, Dayna Hentz, with whom he shared more than 20 years of cherished memories and enduring affection, as well as by his devoted stepfather, Willie Clarence Mayfield, whose love and guidance helped shape the man he became.

On October 22, 2025, while working near Mayfield Heights, Ohio, Clarence’s earthly journey came to an end. Though his passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of those who loved him, his spirit will forever live on in the laughter he inspired, the strength he showed, and the example he set.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving children, Clarissia Baxley, Caisyn Baxley, and Tyler Kruck, and his cherished bonus sons Jaylen Williams, Jayson Williams, and Mar’Kease Smith, each of whom held a special place in his heart. He is also survived by one precious grandchild, Zaylah Williams; his devoted parents, Minnie Mayfield and Clarence H. Baxley, Jr.; two loving sisters, Misty Salters and Tamika Baxley; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who will forever honor his legacy of pride, poise, and purpose. 

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” — Thomas Campbell

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