Clarence Brown Givens, of Blacksburg, passed away peacefully on August 22 surrounded by his loving wife and three children.
Clarence was born on November 23, 1936 in the home built by his great-great grandfather in Simmonsville, Virginia. Growing up in the mountains of Craig County, his love of family, farming and hunting took their roots. His family moved the Givens farm in Blacksburg when he was 15. Clarence attended Virginia Tech as a member of the ROTC. He graduated in 1958 with a BS in Agricultural Engineering. He continued his education in the Air Force, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in meteorology. Clarence went on to a successful career as a meteorologist in the US Air Force, serving in the Vietnam War. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1980.
With his family, Clarence returned to the Givens’ farm in Blacksburg, VA. He and his cousin, Mark Givens, worked together for many years raising cattle. He was actively involved in the community. Whether it was the Red Cross, the Boy Scouts, the Blacksburg High School Band, or the Shawnee Hunt Club, Clarence was there to help. His most recent passion was resisting the Mountain Valley Pipeline, working to protect the historic community of Newport. He had a deep love of the land, the community and his ancestry, and continued to teach those values to his children and grandchildren throughout his life.
Clarence is predeceased by his father Clyde Straley Givens and his mother Vinnie Montgomery Givens.
He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Karolyn Givens, of 50 years. He leaves behind his three children; Kristin Givens Froehlich (Charlie), David Montgomery Givens (Teresa) and Emily Givens (Andrew McWilliams); his six grandchildren, Hanna, Zoe, and Maggie Froehlich; India and Shea Givens; and Barlow McWilliams; his two brothers, Clyde S. Givens, Jr. (Natalie) and Carroll T. Givens (Toy); and numerous well loved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
A memorial service was held at McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg on Saturday. Friends joined Clarence’s family at their farm for a picnic lunch after the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Clarence’s name to the Woodchucks. Checks can be made out to Blacksburg Presbyterian Church with Woodchucks in the memo, 701 Church St SE, Blacksburg, VA 24060.
