Sgt. Clarence Gadson, USAF Retired (97), passed away peacefully on Friday October 29, 2021, in Nashville, TN. He was born July 24, 1924, in Inverness, FL to Ernest Gadson and Emma (Poe) Gadson. He joined the military as a young teenager, enlisting in the US Navy. During WWII from 1942 – 1948, he defended our country with honor in the Landing Craft Infantry U.S.S. LCI(L) 188. During this time, he participated in the following:
The last phases of the Tunisian
Campaign
Assault Landing at Gela Sicily,
9 Jul 1943
Assault Landing at Salerno, Italy,
10 Sep 1943
Assault Landing at Anzio, Italy,
22 Jan 1944
Assault Landing, Island of Elba,
17 Jun 1944
Assault Landing, Southern France,
15-19 Aug 1944
He was part of the Admiral Bird Expedition to Antarctica from 1946 – 1947.
Following an Honorable discharge from the Navy, he continued his military career, enlisting in the US Air Force. He served honorably from 1951 to 1965 and retired with the rank of E5 in 1965.
He continued his civilian career as a security officer with Delco General Motors in Kokomo, Indiana, retiring again after 27 years.
He was a devoted family man to his first wife, Ruth Carolyn Stewart whom he married on Oct. 1, 1951. To that union, three children were born: Rev. Grayce L. Gadson; Airman First Class Richard Gadson, USAF (deceased); MSgt Jerri A. Gadson, USAF, Retired.
His devotion to family continued in his marriage to his second wife, Mattie Washington whom he married on June 22, 1962. To that union, three children were born: Sharon K. (Michael) Taylour; Private Gary (Cindi, deceased) Gadson, USMC; Angela Y. Gadson.
Preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Emma Gadson, his sister Catherine Brown, his brother Robert Shuman, Jr., his 1st wife Ruth Gadson, his 2nd wife Mattie Gadson, and his son Richard Gadson.
