1917
Clarence
2013
Clarence W. Whitfield
May 1, 1917 — December 13, 2013
Clarence W. Whitfield
Pendleton, SC
Clarence William Whitfield, 210 Whitfield Drive, Pendleton, SC, widower of Maude Langston Whitfield, died December 13, 2013 at the age of 96. He was born in Oconee County, SC on May 1, 1917 to Swain William Whitfield and Arlivia Dickerson Whitfield.
Mr. Whitfield worked in textiles for approximately 65 years. During this time, he learned the skills necessary for the creation of plush fabric and, at his retirement, was a member of management at Piedmont Plush Mill in Greenville, SC. In 1979 he was one of four men who founded KM Fabrics in Greenville. In addition, he provided consultation services to the AmVel Company as well as KM Fabrics. During his career in textiles, his engineering abilities enabled him to design and create many improvements to textile machinery. His creative ability led to the design of plush fabrics, some of which were used as the original upholstery in the Astrodome in Houston, Texas and as curtains in the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Peace Center in Greenville.
As the owner of a small farm, he built his dairy barn and designed labor-saving devices to increase efficiency. He was also an avid conservationist. Mr. Whitfield, a skilled craftsman, had a meticulous eye for detail. He had a small saw mill and enjoyed processing lumber and making beautiful grandfather clocks, mantel clocks, spinning wheels, and other lovely, functional pieces from trees that had grown on his farm. He was a very successful gardener, excelling in the propagation of plants, especially azaleas. Later in life, he enjoyed assisting in the design and creation of beautiful ironwork.
Mr. Whitfield was an intensely private, quiet and humble man who preferred spending time working on various projects on the farm. He valued hard work, honesty and the natural beauty of God's creation. He was the oldest of five and when the Depression of 1929 came, he was unable to continue his formal education. Though he did not attend school past the age of 14, he was a well-educated man. He was well-read, particularly in the area of history. As he continued to educate himself, he completed a degree in textile design. His love of learning was passed on to his children who understand that receiving a good education is not only necessary, but also a privilege.
Mr. Whitfield always taught his family to treat others the way they would like to be treated. He leaves behind a thankful and loving family who will miss his quiet strength and wisdom: sons, William A. (Carol) of Saluda, SC; Jack S. (Johnnie) of Pendleton, SC and daughter, Anne Whitfield Purser McMahan (Ken) of Pendleton, SC. He has four grandchildren: Warren (Leigh) Whitfield of Pensacola, FL; Jim (Jennifer) Whitfield of Pendleton, SC; Roman (Julie) Whitfield of Johnston, SC and Susan Purser Cobb (Danny) of Pendleton, SC. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Will, Weston, Jackson, Anna Caroline, Jentry and Noah Whitfield and Kaytie Cobb; and a brother, David Whitfield of Lake Park, Georgia.
In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a granddaughter, Amanda Joy Whitfield; an infant grandson, Gregory Whitfield; two brothers, Horace and Harold; and a sister, Margaret Eslinger.
The graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, December 15, 2013, at the Corinth Cemetery at Bishop Branch Baptist Church, 1109 Central Rd., Central, SC with Rev Chip Coleman and Rev. Van Pigate officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, PO Box 43, Anderson, SC 29622 or to the Rainey Hospice House, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
The Whitfield family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the many friends who have been so supportive during Dad's extended illness and to the staff members of Summit Place Assisted Living of Anderson and to the Rainey Hospice House for providing exceptional care and support during his final days.
The family will be at the home of Anne and Ken McMahan, 690 Pinewood Drive, Pendleton, SC
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central, SC.
Pendleton, SC
Clarence William Whitfield, 210 Whitfield Drive, Pendleton, SC, widower of Maude Langston Whitfield, died December 13, 2013 at the age of 96. He was born in Oconee County, SC on May 1, 1917 to Swain William Whitfield and Arlivia Dickerson Whitfield.
Mr. Whitfield worked in textiles for approximately 65 years. During this time, he learned the skills necessary for the creation of plush fabric and, at his retirement, was a member of management at Piedmont Plush Mill in Greenville, SC. In 1979 he was one of four men who founded KM Fabrics in Greenville. In addition, he provided consultation services to the AmVel Company as well as KM Fabrics. During his career in textiles, his engineering abilities enabled him to design and create many improvements to textile machinery. His creative ability led to the design of plush fabrics, some of which were used as the original upholstery in the Astrodome in Houston, Texas and as curtains in the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Peace Center in Greenville.
As the owner of a small farm, he built his dairy barn and designed labor-saving devices to increase efficiency. He was also an avid conservationist. Mr. Whitfield, a skilled craftsman, had a meticulous eye for detail. He had a small saw mill and enjoyed processing lumber and making beautiful grandfather clocks, mantel clocks, spinning wheels, and other lovely, functional pieces from trees that had grown on his farm. He was a very successful gardener, excelling in the propagation of plants, especially azaleas. Later in life, he enjoyed assisting in the design and creation of beautiful ironwork.
Mr. Whitfield was an intensely private, quiet and humble man who preferred spending time working on various projects on the farm. He valued hard work, honesty and the natural beauty of God's creation. He was the oldest of five and when the Depression of 1929 came, he was unable to continue his formal education. Though he did not attend school past the age of 14, he was a well-educated man. He was well-read, particularly in the area of history. As he continued to educate himself, he completed a degree in textile design. His love of learning was passed on to his children who understand that receiving a good education is not only necessary, but also a privilege.
Mr. Whitfield always taught his family to treat others the way they would like to be treated. He leaves behind a thankful and loving family who will miss his quiet strength and wisdom: sons, William A. (Carol) of Saluda, SC; Jack S. (Johnnie) of Pendleton, SC and daughter, Anne Whitfield Purser McMahan (Ken) of Pendleton, SC. He has four grandchildren: Warren (Leigh) Whitfield of Pensacola, FL; Jim (Jennifer) Whitfield of Pendleton, SC; Roman (Julie) Whitfield of Johnston, SC and Susan Purser Cobb (Danny) of Pendleton, SC. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Will, Weston, Jackson, Anna Caroline, Jentry and Noah Whitfield and Kaytie Cobb; and a brother, David Whitfield of Lake Park, Georgia.
In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a granddaughter, Amanda Joy Whitfield; an infant grandson, Gregory Whitfield; two brothers, Horace and Harold; and a sister, Margaret Eslinger.
The graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, December 15, 2013, at the Corinth Cemetery at Bishop Branch Baptist Church, 1109 Central Rd., Central, SC with Rev Chip Coleman and Rev. Van Pigate officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, PO Box 43, Anderson, SC 29622 or to the Rainey Hospice House, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
The Whitfield family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the many friends who have been so supportive during Dad's extended illness and to the staff members of Summit Place Assisted Living of Anderson and to the Rainey Hospice House for providing exceptional care and support during his final days.
The family will be at the home of Anne and Ken McMahan, 690 Pinewood Drive, Pendleton, SC
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central, SC.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Clarence W. Whitfield, please visit our flower store.
Guestbook
Visits: 20
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors