Clarence Henry Lathan

Hudson, NC- On October 21, 2009, Mr. Clarence Henry Lathan, age 85, of Hudson, went home to be with Jesus where once again he can see, dance and praise the Lord. Born August 10, 1924 in Chester, SC, Mr. Lathan was a son of the late James Clarence and Nannie Estelle Brakefield Lathan.  Mr. Lathan was a graduate of Chester High School in Chester, SC and a graduate of Clemson University. He received his master's degree from Appalachian State University. Mr. Lathan came to Hudson July 1, 1950 as an agriculture teacher. He later became assistant principal under Mr. White. Later he became principal of Hudson High School then principal of Hudson Middle School for 36 years.  Mr. Lathan enjoyed public speaking and cheering on the Hudson Hornets and the Clemson Tigers. He enjoyed gardening and specialized in growing roses. Mr. Lathan was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII. He was an active member of Central Baptist Church where he taught the Adult Sunday school class and served as a deacon. He was a lifetime member of the Sandy Ridge Masonic Lodge in Chester, SC; past member of the Lion's club; Optimist Club and had served on the Hudson town council.  Other than his parents, Mr. Lathan was preceded in death by a son, William "Bill" Lathan and a grandson, David Smith.  He is survived by his wife, Wilma G. Lathan of the home; 4 daughters, Karen Lathan Brennan and husband Steve of Virginia Beach, VA; Lisa Helton and husband Chad of Lenoir; Rebecca "Becky" Beck and husband Charles of Lenoir; Sandra Jordan and husband Rick of Hickory; 3 sons, Mack Lathan and wife Rebecca of Boone; David Lee Lathan and wife Tricia of Lenoir; David Smith and wife Rhonda of Hudson; 2 sisters, Margaret Phillips; Sarah Hargett; 3 brothers, Donald Lathan; Cecil Lathan and wife Margie; Charles Lathan and wife Jewel, all of Chester, SC; 19 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  A celebration of Mr. Lathan's life will be held 3:00 PM Saturday, October 24, 2009 at Central Baptist Church with Reverend John Jernigan officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Park with military honors.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:30 PM, Saturday prior to the service at Central Baptist Church.  Pallbearers will be: Brock Beck, Chris Beck, Josh Smith, Tye Jordan, Blake Lathan, Jeremy Bridges, Dylan Gentry, Joe Sullivan and Tracy Stallings.  The family respectfully requests memorial being made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, NC 28645 or Central Baptist Church, 311 SW Connelly Springs Road, Lenoir, NC 28645.  Online condolences may be sent to the Lathan Family at www.evansfuneralservice.com  Evans Funeral Service & Crematory of Lenoir is serving the Lathan Family. PDF Printable Version