Clarence Henry Diggs, Jr.

Clarence was a person who “dared all odds.” He was determined it was going to be done his way, and that, he did. Throughout his life, he was adventurous and tried to work at different jobs.

Born July 31, 1950, to the late Josie Austin Diggs and Clarence (Buddy) Diggs Sr., Clarence was the fourth and only boy. His sisters, Annie (Eddie) Biggins of Thonotosassa, FL, Ruby Evans of Jacksonville, FL, Mary White (deceased) and   Patricia (Lamar) McBride of Eufaula, AL, all had an inseparable bond and sought to protect each other.

Clarence attended Freemount Jr. High School and T.V. McCoo High School. At an early age, he joined Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Clayton, AL. He     enjoyed promoting gospel concerts. As such, he was one of the first to bring the    famous “Williams Brothers” to Eufaula, AL. He also brought Tyrone Davis, Willie Clayton, and many others. He often did excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches. He was the first Vice-President to the Concern Citizen Organization (now  Barbour County Concerned Citizens Organization) and was one of the first to have organized the 1st M.L.K. Parade in 1993. In addition, he was a founding member of the Jabbing Joes Golfing Club.

At the age of 17, he joined the United States Marines. He often said that this was his way to escape poverty and farm work. Having served during the Vietnam War, he received several Medals of Commendation, some of which included: The National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Combat Action Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the RVN Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

Clarence came home to begin his trailblazing career. He attended Chancey Sparks Technical College, majoring in Auto Mechanics. He enjoyed “fancy cars” and often showcased his Lincoln Continental, Green “Supa Bee” and a Red 66 GTO. He was employed by Harbison Walker as a Heavy Equipment Operator. In 1982, Clarence became an entrepreneur, opening Lake City Produce. He also was a club owner, a Gospel announcer for WULA Gospel Time, and was known as D.J.  “Super Jock”.

He was joined in holy matrimony to Carrie Anderson Diggs, May 1979, to which one child was born to this union, Terrolyn Diggs Johnson. This allowed Terrolyn to be blessed with a brother, Anthony (Anne) Womack of Tampa, FL, and a sister, Geneise (Adrian) Graham of Atlanta, GA. 

Clarence enjoyed giving back to others as well as giving back to his community. He has truly been an inspiration to so many along with being known as always finding “another way to do it.”  His inspiration and relentless attitude afforded him many community accolades, some of which included being the First African American to run for Mayor of Eufaula, being given A Key to the City, having a street named in his honor, being the Founder of the Annual Mother’s Day Dinner, receiving a Certificate of Honor from Auburn University Montgomery, receiving an award from the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.,  along with many other awards and certificates. 

He leaves to cherish his memory, as mentioned earlier, his children and sisters; a  sister, Victoria (Larry) Grubbs, Abbeville, AL, and brother, Jermone Warren,      Clayton, AL; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; an aunt, Mamie (Bob) Baker, Romulus, MI; two uncles, Eddie Diggs, Tampa, FL, and Authur (Joan) Diggs, Eufaula, AL; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.

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