Clarence Dewey Whitt

Clarence Dewey Whitt, 82, of Sanford, N.C., passed away Aug. 6, 2026, surrounded by his beloved family.

Born Aug. 24, 1943, in Siler City, N.C., Clarence, known to many as C.D. and Dee, loved his family, friends and animals. He was especially fond of horses, starting with his first one, Smokey Joe. Those who came across his path described him as humble, kind, caring and compassionate. He loved the Lord and his church. He drove carriages for weddings, loved to camp at the beach and in the mountains, mowed endless yards of grass, enjoyed driving his tractor and riding around in the golf cart with his great-granddaughter Ryleigh, and in later years, loved going to the gym, where he walked on the treadmill or rode a stationary bike.

His work life spanned a multitude of experiences – as a Pepsi truck driver, volunteer firefighter, manager of several Eckerd drugstores, owner of Bulls Eye Roping Supply western store, part-time employee at JCPenney, and a part-time employee at Rogers-Pickard Funeral Home, a retirement job that might have been his favorite of all.

Clarence is survived by his beloved wife Lucille; daughter Wendy, husband Rob; granddaughter Carlee Wilder, husband Ryan, great-granddaughter Ryleigh; step-granddaughters Gillian and Jenna Shaw; son Chris and grandson Lane; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mazie and Dewey Whitt, and eight brothers and sisters.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Rogers-Pickard Funeral Home. The service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Rogers Pickard Chapel. A graveside service will be afterward at White Hill Presbyterian Church Cemetery.