Clarence Marnel James, Sr., 86, of Owensboro, KY entered into God’s Kingdom on April 26, 2024. He was born July 18, 1938, to the late Thomas Hugh James and Josephine Bailey James.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings; Shirley Thomas, Robert Earl Edwards, and William T. “Sonny” James.
Marnel attended Dunbar Elementary School and Western High School. He was a very hard worker and spent 13 years at G. E. as a mechanic and in 1997 became the first black master mechanic hired at Ragu where he worked for two years before going Southwire (Century Aluminum) from which he retired in 2001.
Marnel gave his life to Christ at an early age. He became, and served as, a deacon at Sweeney Street Baptist Church. He taught Sunday School classes and helped with the Jail Ministry for several years there. He also sang with the Owensboro Men’s Mass Community Choir and became an honored recipient of their esteemed Rev. George E. Riley “On the Battlefield” Award.
He was the most loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather and is survived by his wife, Barbara James; sons Clarence “Baby”, Tony, and Elliot “Mo”; daughters Sabrinna Patton and Dorita “Dee Dee” (Quinn) Jackson; stepdaughters, Tonia Thomas, Teresa Jackson, and Tammy Winstead; 17 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. He also leaves to mourn, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A funeral service to honor the life of Clarence Marnel James will be held at noon on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Sweeney Street Baptist Church, 1626 Sweeney St, Owensboro, KY, 42303. Burial will follow at Pleasant Point Baptist Church Cemetery in Utica, KY.
Visitation and viewing will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3, and Saturday May 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at McFarland Funeral Home, 1001 W 5th St, Owensboro, KY 42301.
Please leave memories and messages of condolence for the family at www.mcfarlandfh.com.
Care by McFarland Funeral Home, Inc. of Owensboro, Kentucky.