Clarence was born on July 29, 1934, in Griffin, Georgia to Gideon Sr. and Ollie Mae Henley (Spears). Clarence received his education in Griffin, Spalding County school system. He married the love his life Rebecca in

1963. Excited to start a new journey together, Clarence and Rebecca moved their family to Trenton, New Jersey in 1969 where they remained until his death.

Clarence was an avid racing fan, enjoying watching NASCAR and Indy car racing, but his passion was his love for motorcycles. Thin Man, as he was affectionately known, became a member of Cycle Kings Motorcycle Club, Trenton, New Jersey Chapter on June 11,1978, where he has remained an active member, participating in activities until his health no longer allowed him to. While he loved his Cycle King Brothers, Clarence's heart belonged to his family, which was his greatest pride and joy.

Nothing gave him greater joy than hearing his grandchildren call him Big Daddy and Pop Pop.

On February 25, 2025, God said, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" and called Clarence home to rest.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Wiley Henley, Willie James Henley, Willie Hue Spears, and his sisters Daisey Mae Henley and Cherry Henley.

Clarence leaves to cherish his legacy his beautiful wife Rebecca Henley, three sons Karl Crain (Debbie), Ramsey Henley, Vincent Henley (Vonda), two daughters, Marcia Jester, Rosita Henley-Purnell (Robert), two sisters, Patricia Henley and Vivian Henley, six brothers, Jimmy Lee Spears (Mary), Glynn Spears, Jerry Lewis Henley, Peter Henley, Jeffrey Henley, Gideon Henley Jr. (Catherine), nine grandchildren, Dexter (Kenya), Kasey, DuMaurier, Dominique, Jaren, Ronique, Nori, Sydney and Lauren, two great grandchildren, Jakiyah and Harland and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends

Lorenzo Swain and William McCallum.