Clarence Monroe LeQuire, 88, of Valdese, NC, passed away Monday, August 4, 2025.
Born in Swain County, NC on October 1, 1936, he was the son of the late James Calvin LeQuire and Clara Palestine “Pallie” Wiggins LeQuire.
Clarence proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps. He was a devoted and longtime member of Flat Gap Baptist Church, where he shared his faith as an adult Sunday school teacher. Clarence had a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature—he loved traveling to both the mountains and the ocean, and he found peace in watching the sun set at the end of the day. He found joy in life’s simple, quiet moments. Above all, Clarence was a loving and faithful husband, a devoted father, and a proud grandfather. He cared deeply for his family and friends, and he leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and steadfast devotion that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 67 years, Charlotte Ann Berry LeQuire; daughters, Kathy Ann LeQuire Penley (Kenneth) and Vicki Lynn LeQuire; grandchildren, Nyoka Sabucco, Kenneth Ashley Penley (Meredith), Kaylan Rogers (Matt), Jared Penley (Cara), Ryan Penley (Hannah), Jesse Ollis, Emily Ollis (Alex Berry) and Willow Portela (John); great-grandchildren, Adelina Sabucco (Jacob Fox), Aiden Penley, Rylee Penley, Amelia Penley, Malachi Rogers, Lizzy Penley, Edie Penley, Danny Penley, and Margot Portela; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Clarence was preceded in death by his siblings, Bertha Surrett (O.Q.), Frankie Vick (Glenn), Bill LeQuire (Louise), Edna Cochran (George), Ethel Lamb Burchfield (Marvin), Harvey LeQuire (Lib), Jim LeQuire (Hazel), Robert LeQuire, Clara Allen (Bob), and Ernie LeQuire.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Friday, August 8, 2025 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Dean Gurley officiating. Entombment will follow in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. Military honors will be provided by the US Marine Corps.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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What a kind and gentle man he was. We, the neighbors, grieve his loss as well. Rest in peace, Clarence. All is well with your soul.
Sending our love and prayers to you all. I loved Uncle Clarence so much, he was always my favorite Great Uncle despite not being able to see him much through the years. Anytime we saw each other he always greated me with that big smile and big beautiful blue eyes. I will never forget how much he helped me the last couple of years of my papaws life. He was truly a lifeline for my family. I’m thankful he and my Papaw ((Bill) and all his siblings are together once again. Prayers to you all and much love. ♥️
Dear Family, My condolences to all of you. My heart is sad as well. Although Clarence is my Uncle, he was like a brother to me & always called me his little Sis. I will miss him so very much. My love and prayers to Charlotte Ann, Kathy,Vicki & all the family. Love Joy & Bill