Clarence Earvin

Clarence Ray Earvin, 75, of Safford, entered into Heaven on Friday, March 1, 2013 in Willcox. He was born on September 3, 1937 in Miami, AZ, to James William Earvin and Audrey Inis Current Earvin. He married Frieda Littleton in 1963 in Lordsburg, NM. Clarence was born in Miami, AZ. At a young age he moved to Thatcher and a few years later to Bisbee, AZ. He graduated from Bisbee High School where he participated in most sports; football, basketball, and baseball. At the young age of fourteen he started working in a grocery store. After graduation, he served his country in the U.S. Air Force. Following his service in the U.S. Air Force, he worked for the Phelps Dodge copper mines in Bisbee and Safford for many years. In 1986, he retired from Phelps Dodge and went to work for Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) as a federal mine inspector in September, 1987. That took him back east for seven years. A lot of his family was musically inclined and he learned to play the guitar at a young age. Soon after he married Frieda, he stopped playing for dances and "retired" from music until he moved to Safford. After moving to Safford, he joined the Eastern Arizona Old Time Fiddlers and has been on the Board for several years. As part of the Eastern Arizona Old Time Fiddlers, he enjoyed playing for the nursing homes in Willcox and Safford and touched many lives with his musical talent. He enjoyed spending time camping with friends, family and the fiddler group. He also enjoyed gardening, rock hunting, geology, and took up jewelry making and lapidary work. In 1955 he joined the Southern Baptist Church in Douglas. He has been attending the New Testament Baptist Church in Safford for many years. He is survived by wife, Frieda, of Safford; son, John Earvin of Phoenix; daughter, Debra (Quentin) Barnes of Safford; grandchildren, Alyssa Taylor, Tyrel Taylor, Brock Barnes, Dylan Phelps, and great grandchild, Lyric Taylor. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the New Testament Baptist Church in Safford, with Pastor McDonald officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be at the Safford Cemetery with a luncheon following at the New Testament Baptist Church.