Clinton Lance Williams' Obituary
Clinton Lance Williams passed away at home on November 17, 2023, after a long illness. Born on January 23, 1932, he was 91 years old when he died. He was predeceased by his wife Nancy Ann on February 21, 2008.
Clinton (normally called CL, Clint, or Lance by family and friends) came from a poor family in Macon, Georgia. His parents were Henry Troup Willaims and Susan “Sudie” Cornelia Allen. He had seven half-brothers, two half-sisters, and one full brother, William Russell (called “Russell’). Both Clinton and Russell had polio as children. He moved with his family to Pennsylvania when he was ten years old. When he was about 20 years old, he drove to California with his best friend. It was the 50s, California was the land of opportunity, and they were looking for good paying jobs. He met his wife Nancy at work (she had also moved to California with her best friend, also looking for the same opportunities). Their romance started when he gave her a ride home from work. They were married for over 50 years.
Clinton had a long career in Aerospace, working at Rohr Industries’ Chula Vista plant for 66 years. (Rohr, Inc. was acquired by The BF Goodrich Company in December of 1997, and then subsequently UTC and Collins Aerospace). He started as a machinist. He later served as Chief Shop Steward, and then President of local union 755, for over 30 years. He was the head of the Negotiating Committee and negotiated at least one spirited strike. He was well-respected by management for his level-headed negotiating style, and by co-workers for securing contracts with favorable salaries and benefits.
Because of his poor childhood, Clinton strove to be financially successful. He was proud of the fact that he was able to provide for his family and that he invested his money wisely. After he retired, he used some of this money to generously pay some college tuition for his grandchildren, and to take his extended family – including their spouses and children - on cruises to different parts of the world.
He was an avid sports fan – football, basketball, and baseball. He attended all of his son’s little league games, and for a while managed one of the teams. He enjoyed attending San Diego State Aztec games. CL was a ‘people-person’ and liked helping people, even if it was in a small way. For example, he used to save the Sunday ads for the cleaning lady in his office. He enjoyed talking to co-workers at the plant where he worked. He had a great sense of humor, although he could be sarcastic. He had a special bond with his grandchildren and really liked spending time with them.
Clinton is survived by his four children and their families: Gina Marie Sinner and husband Stephen (Gina’s son Patrick, daughter Annah, her husband Angel and their children Caroline and Mateo), Michelle Diane Martin and husband Brad (their children Jessica and her husband Josh and Joseph and his wife Emily), Lorie Lynne Payne and husband Brian Payne (their children Michelle and her husband Drew and James and his wife Jennifer), and Michael Sal Williams and wife Susan (their children Trevor and Erica).
The family wishes to express their gratitude to CL’s wonderful caregivers for the excellent care they provided, and for their love and support. He will be greatly missed by his union friends and family, but they are sure he is enjoying the afterlife with Nancy.
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