Clarence William Millner "GPop" or "Mr. C", born in Ridgeway, Virginia to the late Robert Lee and Rosa Lee Millner, the first born before three sisters: Geraldine Scales (deceased), Rose Alston, and Mary Moore (deceased).

He was a graduate of Carver High School in Fieldale, Virginia in 1959. Clarence married Gloria Hairston Millner on October 26, 1963 and moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1964.

Clarence joined Emmanuel Baptist Church in 1970 and later moved his membership to Union Baptist Church where he was a faithful member.

Clarence owned several business; Robert L. Millner & Son Lumber Co. in Walnut Cove, North Carolina where he partnered with his father from 1956-1984; owned service stations starting throughout the city in 1965; owned All-Pro Auto Parts starting in 1980; owned Mr. C's Ice Cream Shop starting in 1984; owned Matt's Automotive & Body Shop starting in 1989; built many homes in Winston-Salem and surrounding areas general contractor for his LA & B Construction in 1978.

He was a drag racer, a motorcycle rider and loved bowling.

Clarence was a fantastic father to his daughter, LaShanda Millner and son, Bleu Colquit. He was a fully committed grandfather to his grandson, John "Matt" Murphy, IV. He enjoyed spending time with son-in-love, Lynn Thomas.

Clarence, the eldest among our four siblings was far more than just an older brother. He was our steadfast anchor, our unwavering protector, and often our unofficial guardian. We were fortunate to grow up in a home rich with spiritual grounding and an abundance of family love, and Clarence embodied these traits with quiet strength.

When our beloved parents, Robert and Rosa Lee Millner entrusted him with our care, Clarence embraced the responsibility wholeheartedly. He was the meticulous keeper of our household ensuring that every family rule was followed to the letter from daily chores being completed to the strict rule of no visitors while our parents were away. He made sure we were fed, preparing meals exactly as instructed. Clarence was a man of profound action, his quiet determination speaking volumes where others might use many words.

From a remarkably young age, Clarence was rarely found idle. If he was not at home, he was diligently by our father's side learning the invaluable ethics of hard work. Whether it was at the bustling lumber mill or the Martinsville PURE Oil service station, he absorbed dad's deep conviction that every man should be capable of providing for his family. By the age of sixteen, Clarence was already an entrepreneur, a testament to his innate drive. For us younger siblings, his ownership of the service station became a source of delightful anticipation, a special place where we could on occasion enjoy a soda and crackers, carefully ringing up the payment under his watchful eye. It was a thrilling taste of responsibility in an era long before credit cards when every pump and transaction was handled by hand.

As soon as he was old enough, a car awaited him, symbolizing his growing independence and resourcefulness. My sister, Mary and I, the youngest of the four siblings often found ourselves spending more time with Clarence while Geraldine, our older sister remained home with mom learning vital skills of managing a household. Yet one cardinal rule bound us all, we had to be home for dinner promptly at 5:00 p.m. This was nonnegotiable and Clarence often bringing his friends along was always seated at the table on time. As we matured and navigated the complexities of life, his support never wavered. He consistently offered kindness, sage advice, and unwavering encouragement, truly embodying the role of a magnificent older brother.

Clarence possessed an extraordinary gift for connection. It genuinely seemed he never met a stranger. We frequently witnessed his profound generosity, a quiet offering of money to someone in need or a readily extended helping hand without a second thought. He carried himself with unwavering respect for everyone he encountered. His voice was never raised in anger, nor did a negative word ever pass his lips about another person. Much like our father, he shared his blessings freely and we knew that a simple phone call was all it took for him to respond, whatever the need. It was Clarence who, with his intuitive understanding, gifted Mary and me our first cars ensuring they were meticulously serviced without either of us ever having to ask.

Even after we ventured off to college and began building our own families, his steadfast care continued through regular thoughtful check-ins. The weekends spent at his and Gloria's home are etched in our memories; our families swimming in their pool enjoying glorious meals and gathering together in joyful celebration. Their home was a haven of comfort and unconditional love, always open and always welcoming, no matter who we brought along. This profound spirit of generosity and community was simply how we were all raised.

Our brother was always there for our parents making sure they were cared for and taking them to concerts, fashion shows, sporting events, summer beach weekends, and on trips to visit family in other cities. When daddy passed, he remained faithfully by our beloved mother's side until her passing. When he was entrusted with making decisions about our parent's estate, he delegated that responsibility to my oldest sister, Geraldine and me. He simply asked us to keep him updated, a beautiful sign of his trust and confidence in our ability to make sound decisions on behalf of our family. Clarence you truly were the finest brother a sister could ever hope for. We carry with us a treasure trove of cherished memories and for every single one our hearts are eternally grateful. God truly blessed us with you and although we want you here with us, we know you completed this race of life with dignity and a level of success that only you could achieve. Until we meet again.

Public viewing from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral service 12:00 PM, Monday, August 10, 2026 at Union Baptist Church, 1200 NW Trade Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27101. The family will greet friends one-hour prior to service. Interment in Piedmont Memorial Gardens.