Clarence Harold Nixon, Sr

Clarence Harold Nixon, Sr., 95, of Oxford, PA, passed away at his home on Friday, May 20, 2022. He was the husband of Shirley White Nixon for over fifty-one years.

Clarence was born in Lenover, PA, to Howard S. Nixon, Sr., and Nellie Miller Nixon. He achieved the honor of being the first black valedictorian of Coatesville High School. He worked as a self-employed mechanic and truck driver and was fondly known as "Mr. Wizard" because he could fix any vehicle.

As a member of the Mt. Zion AME Church in Atglen, he served as originator and president of the building fund, president of the Mt. Zion Transportation Committee, as well as served as a Trustee, and was also the overseer of van maintenance. Clarence was a Vacation Bible School teacher. Every Sunday he utilized the church van to ensure that children in need of transportation could attend Sunday school. Clarence loved gardening and sharing the vegetables with family and friends. He was an encourager to everyone, especially to the younger generation.

Clarence was also a proud veteran of the United States Navy and served some of his time aboard the U.S.S. Vincennes at Auckland, New Zealand. 

He is survived by four children: Valorie Nixon of Parkesburg, Lewis Nixon of Lancaster and his wife Ana, Terence Nixon of King of Prussia, and Margaret “Porky” Baynard of Lebanon. He is survived also by his stepson, Robert A. Coleman of Coatesville, as well as his sister, Louise Nixon of Christiana, a host of nieces, nephews, and godchildren, and 7 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 10 step-great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will take place11:00 am on Saturday, June 11th, at the Parkesburg United Methodist Church, with a visitation taking place from 10:00 am until the time of the service. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Anna Mary Hopkins Scholarship Fund through Mount Zion AME Church
Donations can be sent or texted. They can be sent directly to Mt. Zion AME Church at P.O. Box 218 Atglen, PA 19310 -- specify that you are donating to the Anna Mary Hopkins Fund, or you can send a text with "Give," the amount, and "Anna Mary Hopkins" to (484) 474-0010 (eg. "Give100AnnaMaryHopkins").