Clarence B. Wine Jr.

Clarence B. Wine Jr., born on August 18, 1977, transitioned into the eternal realm on February 6, 2024. Clarence, known to his friends and family as C.J., was an optimistic, genuine, and fun-loving spirit who never met a stranger. Weighing in just under three pounds at birth and small enough to fit into the palm of his father’s hand, he was diagnosed with a mild form of cerebral palsy. Yet, from the beginning, C.J. never let his disability get in the way and he lived life to the fullest. His will and determination to overcome any obstacle knew no bounds. He was a fighter and a friend with a spirit that could not be dimmed, and he remained that way until his untimely departure from this earth.

C.J. was always so special. Though his parents recognized that he was differently abled, they did not view this as a disadvantage. Instead, they embraced his differences and celebrated the ways in which it made him unique. As with all their children, they found distinctive ways to connect with C.J., acknowledge his individuality, and champion his efforts. For example, his father would make him a special French Toast breakfast with eggs (while his siblings powered up on Frosted Flakes) and discuss the day’s agenda. He wanted to make sure that C.J. felt confident and encouraged on his way to school every morning. Because of the steadfast love, support, affirmation and encouragement poured into him by his parents, siblings and extended family, by his senior year in high school, C.J. had been president of Student Council, wrestling team captain, and student manager of the football team. He attended the University of Missouri where he received his B.S. degree in Business Finance.

C.J.’s work with Tommy Nobis Center was by far his most fulfilling professional accomplishment. He was hired as a mail clerk at the IRS in San Diego, California and was quickly promoted to Supervisor. In 2019, he was named Nobis Enterprises Employee of the Year, and in 2022 received the Tommy Nobis Rising Star Award. Last year, he moved to Nobis Enterprises’ Corporate Office in Marietta, GA where he transitioned into a Project Coordinator role. C.J. was so excited to embark upon this new professional journey that combined his career with his life’s passion: being a fierce advocate not just for his own abilities, but for all people with disabilities.

A true believer in human potential, C.J. was honored to expend social capital to foster the greater good for worthy causes. Through the Mizzou Alumni and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity mentorship program for young men, he tutored students as they prepared for entrance exams and organized the local Martin Luther King Day Parade. He also provided free Karate lessons to youth parishioners through The Rock church’s Karate Ministries program.

C.J. was many things to many people. But, above all else, he was kind. He was gentle when offering up his unsolicited food critiques. He was compassionate even during those family summer basketball games at Swope Park when his cousins mistakenly concluded he was cheating because, of course he wouldn’t trip them on a fast break, it was clearly an accident. C.J. was benevolent even when he referred to the cohort of women in his family as the “cackling hens” after enduring 20 minutes of intense interrogation when he came home to visit. He was good-hearted even when his parents would ask him to taxi his younger siblings around and he put five fingers in the air and said “I ain’t got no kids.” But, of course, he always accommodated the request. C.J. was so kind. He was a driven, courageous leader. A force. A gift to us all.

Now, his light shines on through so many who love him. He is survived by his mother, Catherine M. Wine, his beloved siblings, Kevin (Tina) and Leslie (Chris), two nieces, Jasmine and Saige, and three nephews, Jordan, C.J. (number two as he referred to him) and Maxwell. C.J. will also be missed by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, colleagues and friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Leodis Wine, his maternal grandmother and grandfather, Mary Ethel and Cefous Alexandria, and his father and namesake, Clarence B. Wine Sr.

May his soul rest in everlasting peace, until we meet again.

**Memorial donations may be made to Tommy Nobis Center using this link https://tommynobiscenter.org/donate-now/