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Clarence Williams III Obituary

Clarence Williams III starred as Linc on the pioneering TV detective series "The Mod Squad" and played Prince's father in the movie "Purple Rain."

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jun. 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Clarence Williams III

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97 Entries

Barbara Williams

January 21, 2025

With deepest condolences sympathy.I admire Mr. Clarence Williams lll and he was a great American actor.
My parents and l looked at him in the series The Mod Squad every Tuesday night.
I entered Mr. Clarence Williams lll and I in the enter
Teen mail bag Teen Magazine October 1972. I cry when I saw Mr. Clarence
Williams lll in the movie Purple Rain. I brought back memories. He is a superior American actor. From the people who admired you
Barbara Williams and my mother Pearl Williams and the late Charles F . Williams of Garyville Louisiana.

DeShun Allen

August 25, 2022

A great actor always underrated. Always one of my favorites. Whenever I knew he was in a movie, I knew it would be good.

Tina Hall

June 5, 2022

It has been one year since your death but you are still in my heart and I miss you .Love always one of your favorite fans. RIP

Jennifer Baribault

December 13, 2021

Clarence William Finally he had enter his enternal Resting place, has reunited with his co-star Peggy Lipton, there are one Gods angles and I used to watched the Mod Squad as a kid. He will be missed and yet never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult times.

Wayne Traube

August 24, 2021

Watch Mod Squad every chance I could get when I was younger love the show. So sad Peggy and now Clarence. One left

Tiffany Thomas

August 21, 2021

Happy Birthday, Clarence! May your soul continue to rest in peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. I will always love and admire you for your personality, charm, charisma, and good looks.

I love you Clarence "Lincoln Hayes"

Tiffany Thomas

August 11, 2021

Today is the 7th anniversary of my love for Clarence. I will always remember him for being so handsome, thoughtful, strong, kind, and smart. He had a great, positive influence on me for all of these years. May his eternal soul rest in peace with our Lord Jesus Christ forever.

Johnny Dennis

July 21, 2021

Hello family members. I live in Dallas, TX I Grew Up Watching Mr C. Williams On T.V. When I Was Small .I Feel Like He's A Family Member To Me I'm Shock Saden About His Life. Ending It Was People Like Mr C. WILLIAMS THAT Give Me Life Just Watching His Great Movies Of Being Famous. What A Great Roll model we had To All Young Black men In America. Thank you Mr Clearnce Williams For Your Guidance and Leadership for Black people. And For All People God's People. We Are Gonna Miss Greatly . REST IN HAVENLY PEACE. YOU DESERVE THAT. THANK YOU SO VERYMUCH MR C. WILLIAM

Erma Beals

July 15, 2021

Mr.Williams was a good Actor,Rest in Peace.

Thank you Clarence!

Gina Erdman

July 8, 2021

What a huge loss! Clarence, you were one of our very favorites! Every time we would see you in a movie, we would say "Clarence, Alright!" My husband and I watched the Mod Squad as kids. We are so crushed! At least we had you for all these years! Thank you SO much Clarence!!!!!!!! My heart goes out to your family & friends!

Kathleen Dalheim

July 7, 2021

Oh my gosh,
I just found out Clarence passed away.
I remember watching him on The Modd Squad show. It was so good back in those days when we were growing up. Too bad there is just junk on tv now.
He was a very good actor. May he rest in peace. May his family find Love, Peace, and Strength to continue on.
With Sympathy and Love, and Hugs
Kathy Dalheim

July 7, 2021

Truly an original, one of kind. His talent will so definitely be missed. Thoughts and prayers to the Williams family and friends, so very sorry for your loss. May God continue to be with all of you.

LINDA CARRABY

July 2, 2021

I truly enjoyed his characters through the years of acting, and as a person. My condolences to the Williams Family. I thought the service would be televised. God bless everyone

Mr jody Brachman

July 1, 2021

Hi how are you I am good u I was writing to you to give my condolences to you and your family etc.. RIP. I loved his movies etc.. I will.miss him so. He seemed like a nice guy take care bye

Teddy Watkins

June 22, 2021

Such a great talent will truly be missed God speed Clarence Williams.

G King

June 21, 2021

Mr. Williams will be remembered for his performance in the many acting roles that reflected royalty, dignity, and wisdom. Thank you and may your soul rest in peace. May your family and friends find comfort in the many lives you touched.

Vince

June 21, 2021

Thank you for Mr. Clarence Williams III contribution to our fan-favorite TV show "The Mod Squad" and the movies he starred in. To the family, many, many friends, colleagues and fans of this wonderful actor Mr. Clarence Williams III fine comfort with you during this difficult time in your lives. We enjoyed many of his movies. May you find comfort in your wealth of fond memories together. May Almighty God in the Heavens comfort your hearts with peace and loving kindness as you cope with this precious loss in your lives. May family, friends and extended family cherish his memories.

Alfreda Richardson

June 20, 2021

His memories will forever live on in our hearts. May God comfort, shower His love upon the family.

Margaret Schonenborn

June 16, 2021

Wow he will Surely be Missed!! Loved him in everything he starred in so Seemingly effortlessly.Sad Day to Learn he has Passed.He was also Great in CSI's Shows!

Debbie Conrad

June 15, 2021

I am speechless! I watched every episode of mod squad rip Clarence you were such a great actor you will be missed

Sharon Phillips

June 14, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person and awesome actor. I was 8 yrs. old when the 1st episode of Mod Squad came on, love watching this and you over the years, especially as Philby on Mystery Woman, you will be missed greatly.

Valinda Jones

June 14, 2021

June 14, 2021

Dear Family of Actor Mr. Clarence Williams III:

We would like to extend our condolences to all of you on your loss. Clarence was a very gifted, and talented actor. He will be missed by all those people who all knew, and loved him. He did leave a great legacy. All we can say is, "Rest In Peace, Clarence."

WITH OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY, FROM, MS. VALINDA D. JONES, A 44 YEAR MEMBER OF SIXTH GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 600 EAST 35TH STREET, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60616. AND ALSO THEIR "PUBLIC RELATIONS PERSON", AND THE FORMER C00P MEMBERS, AND MEMBERS OF CHURCH MUSICIAN SHIP GUILD, INC.

MS. JONES IS A FORMER MEMBER (1988-2008). SHE WAS THEIR ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR. THE LATE DR. MILDRED G. LEWIS WAS THE FOUNDER, AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

June 14, 2021

May God be with the Williams family to provide strength and comfort in their time of sorrow.

Patricia

June 14, 2021

RIP you will be greatly missed!

June 13, 2021

Sincerest sympathies to the Williams family. truly sorry for your loss. May God be with all of you as you endure such a very difficult time.

Will Hargrove

June 13, 2021

In loving memory...

A. Wheeler

June 13, 2021

Awesome actor. A real gentleman.

June 12, 2021

Many prayers to the Williams family, so very sorry for your loss. May God be with you to carry you through your very difficult time of your loss.

GB

June 12, 2021

My family and I LOVED LOVED LOVED the MOD SQUAD. There were a few catch phrases we repeated to this day from that iconic show. I followed Clarence through his later career and was more than delighted when I saw he was still working. My deepest condolences to his family and to you Clarence...Rest in Peace and continue to make Heaven a better place,
GB of Colonie NY

Laura Venezio

June 11, 2021

I grew up watching the Mod Squad and enjoyed watching this handsome man break the race barriers. May strength be with his family through their loss. Peace, Love & Light.

Valinda Jones

June 11, 2021

June 11, 2021

Dear Family of Actor Mr. Clarence Williams III:

I am a 44 year Member of Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church, 600 East 35th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616. I am also their "Advertising", "Marketing", and "Public Relations Person". Reverend Dr. David B. Thornton is the Pastor. And Reverend Donald B. Register is the Pastor Emeritus.

I am also a Former Member of Church Musician Ship Guild, Inc. (1988-2008). The late Dr. Mildred G. Lewis was The Founder, and Executive Director. I was their Assistant Administrative Secretary, Executive Secretary, and Public Relations Director.

I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to all of you on your loss. Clarence was a great actor. And he will be missed by all those people who knew, and loved him. He did leave a great legacy. All I can say is, "Rest In Peace, Clarence".

WITH MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY, FROM, MS. VALINDA D. JONES OF CINCINNATI, OHIO. I USE TO LIVE IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

Jim and Terri Zezza

June 10, 2021

We are going to miss Clarence. We grew up as kids watching Mod Squad which was a great show. The Williams family in in our prayers. Clarence is now one of GODS angels and he is with Peggy Lipton. RIP Clarence we love you and miss you.

Valenda Newell

June 10, 2021

Memories from the 70s wouldn't be complete without Clarence Williams III from the TV show The MOD SQUAD ground breaking show back then with him wearing his iconic AFRO. Wonderful actor who will be missed...Many Blessings and Prayers to family & friends..❤❤

Harry Simpson

June 10, 2021

Godspeed Clarence, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us, and the wonderful, and innumerable film and TV memories. Unforgettable.

Rest Clarence, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.

Thank you for your service to this nation. U.S. Army, C Company, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division.

Matt McGrath

June 10, 2021

RIP. Fine actor. Great job in the George Wallace biopic. Thanks for his service to our Nation. Airborne all the way, Mr. Williams!

Dr. Donna Wintons-James

June 10, 2021

I really enjoyed Clarence Williams in Mod Squad and Mystery Woman. May he rest in peace!!!

LeeRoy

June 10, 2021

My condolences go out to the Williams family on the death of Clarence. He will be missed by family and friends.

Chris

June 10, 2021

I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Clarence Williams. What an iconic role. It was the coolest show on tv. May God give you comfort and peace as you mourn her loss. Philippians 4:7

Julia Thomas

June 10, 2021

Rest in Peace Link you made the path clear for so many African American actors. This was one of the best shows from the 70s.

Derone Brown Jr

June 10, 2021

Gonna Mr. Williams. From Mod Squad to Tales From the Hood(most definitely),Reindeer Games,Sugar Hill. Thank you for all of your acting roles and laughs. Some of his movie lines have gotten me into trouble but it was worth EVERY word when I did Sugar Hill ,Reindeer Games ,Tales From the Hood .To the Williams family,I send my deepest condolences and pray that God gets you through this difficult. He was an inspiration for generations. Rest easy UNK....

Eric High

June 10, 2021

Star of my childhood Television memories... May he rest in peace.

Westwood Area, Memphis TN

June 9, 2021

RIH Mr. Linc, A life “Well Lived”
Thoughts and Prayers to the Family...

JE Sowell

June 9, 2021

To the family of Clarence Williams 111.May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. He was outstanding on Mod Squad. Sincere condolences.

Lawrence Hamilton

June 9, 2021

R.I.P. Mr. Williams. You will be missed. A hero of mines coming up in the 70s while I was a teenager. God Bless.

Barbara Olson

June 9, 2021

Rest in honor!!!! You have always been a great role model of grace, strength, amazing intelligence, great acting and a caring heart for every man, woman, child.....no matter what background or stage in life. I never missed an episode of "The Mod Squad" and what a great team you all made!!!! Then through many roles after, soooo enjoyed you and Kelly Martin in "The Mystery Woman" series on Hallmark. You, as a former CIA special ops and Kelly, the former DA who never gives up till the mysteries are solved, .....you were both totally believable and excellent together as a formidable team fighting for right!!!! You paved the way for so many other actors and you will be missed more than you know. Bless you and bless all your family.....You have etched a lasting image of peace, heart, determination and caring on countless lives.....and I am truly thankful for all you meant to my life. Rest in Peace precious soul!!!!!!!!

Nancy L. Pennington

June 9, 2021

LOOVED him in MOD SQUAD!!!

June 9, 2021

Sincere sympathies to the Williams family and friends, so very saddened by your loss. May God give all of you the needed strength and comfort to carry through your time of sorrow.

June 9, 2021

Truly one of a kind, I always enjoyed watching him. So many will miss him. My sincere sympathies to the Williams family, so very sorry for your loss, may God help all of you as you endure such a very difficult time.

Donald Crow

June 9, 2021

RIP Great One you will be missed so much.

Tonvonnie latoya Smith

June 9, 2021

R.i.p mr Williams we loved you here in Huntsville Alabama you will be missed

June 9, 2021

My condolences.

Sandi Moyer

June 9, 2021

My condolences to his family, he was a great actor... may he rest in peace

Sheila Smith

June 9, 2021

Blessings,

Tiffany Thomas

June 9, 2021

I started having a crush on Clarence when I watched The Mod Squad for the first time. I have been loving him for 7 years. I miss him so much. He will always be in my heart. Rest in peace, Lincoln Hayes.❤

June 8, 2021

He was great on Mod Squad
Your in Heavrn now, rest with
Angels.

Carlee Butler

June 8, 2021

Enjoyed you while you last as Link RIP

james richardson

June 8, 2021

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Bob Sama

June 8, 2021

Pete, Linc, and Julie, forever The Mod Squad.....

June 8, 2021

I enjoyed seeing Mr. Williams in the Hallmark movies. I'm so sorry to hear about him passing. My the God of all comfort be with the family at this difficult time.

Dee

June 8, 2021

Thank you for being a role model for so many Black Teens in the 70's with that Kingly Afro and good looks ! Making us Black and Proud!

Eddie Hines

June 8, 2021

Clarence Williams III was an actor who did not receive his just do. He was talented to play multiple roles that very few actors could master. His skill and professionalism was first class I enjoyed each movie he made. What a legacy he has left to the movie industry as an art of perfection and to his family you have my condolences and prayers ! Clarence was truly a masterpiece !

June 8, 2021

What an amazing man and Actor. I loved all your work and your voice I could listen to all day! Rest in peace GBYCW

June 8, 2021

RIP. Big fan of yours. Great actor.

Felicia Sharon Yates

June 8, 2021

Clarence and The Mod squad came on TV show and All of the actors and actresses made a wonderful team to star
My condolences to the family of Clarence Williams lll. Thanks again for your talent.

June 8, 2021

Heartfelt condolences to the Williams family, sorry for your loss, may God be with you in your time of sorrow.

June 8, 2021

Our deepest condolences to the family. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort them during this difficult time.

Brenda Ranes Whitlow

June 8, 2021

I worked with him on a movie once. On set wardrobe so we spent some time together. He and Sugar Bear. What a strong, mystical man he was. So silent. Got a great selfie of the two of us. Rest in Peace.

June 8, 2021

An amazing career. A very talented and versatile actor, a pleasure to watch. Sincere sympathies to the Williams family and friends, may God be with you all to carry you through this very difficult time, truly sorry for your loss

John T Booker

June 8, 2021

A man's man.

Donna Cody

June 8, 2021

I LOVED the Mod Squad. Wanted to be one of them. You will be missed.

Robin Smith

June 8, 2021

I always had a crush on you.
RIP

Pat and Ken Worden

June 8, 2021

Three generations in our family loved watching Mr. WIlliams in the Murder Mystery series he played in. His gentle and caring personality came across so well with his fellow cast members. We send sincere condolences to his family. Thank you for allowing us to share a moment together and enjoy a show that will always have special memories for us.. God bless.

Les Breese

June 8, 2021

I always enjoyed his portrayal of "Linc" on "The Mod Squad"....my condolences to the family, friends, and fellow fans of Clarence Williams III at this sad and difficult time.

Hughes Linton

June 7, 2021

He was one of my favorite actors

Darryl

June 7, 2021

Rest In Peace Clarence. You change Hollywood. You were Prince dad.
Great actor. Life well done.

Raymie Kenner

June 7, 2021

I remember when I was a kid, I used to watch the Mod Squad with my Grand Ma, Aunts Pam and Judy, and Cousin Tina. You were a bad dude. Rest in Paradise.

Elizabeth Bell

June 7, 2021

R.I.P Mr.Clarence Williams

Wayne Britt

June 7, 2021

Like a Angel when he dove into action on Mod Squad. RIP sir, condolences to your love ones.

Normie K

June 7, 2021

Rest in Peace! You were an icon during your life. How I loved the Mod Squad. You've helped shaped many lives for the good... including mine. God be with you.

Delzora Smith

June 7, 2021

My heart goes out to his family and friends. I first remembered him as a child in the movie Mob square. I fell in love with him. I have watch every movie he has starred in. Great Actor that will be truly missed.

Stephanie Schell

June 7, 2021

You will be remembered for your performances.

Ezeko & Rossy

June 7, 2021

Our heartfelt condolence goes out to the family and friends. We share your pain. And so is God who is close to the brokenhearted and also saves those who are crushed in spirit.
His legacy will surely be remembered.

Page Miller

June 7, 2021

Rest in Power!! You were always my favorite on Mod Squad as well as in other projects you were involved in. Your charisma, simply infectious! I’ll see you on the other side I hope.

Robert harris

June 7, 2021

Rest in peace sir, you definitely earned your wings, you had a great impact on me ,how you carried yourself. As a black man ,you held your head up high. And for that I am greatful , from Robert Harris and family.

Stephen Washburn

June 7, 2021

You will be missed very much I watched the Mod Squad all the time loved it R.I.P.

Joyce Marrocco

June 7, 2021

Always hip and cool!! An actor I adored and respected as a youngster. Class act all the way. It was a show that molded me as a person, color was never a factor, I just saw two gorgeous guys and a beautiful girl!! Thank you sir!! RIP. Condolences to your family.

Stephanie D Schell

June 7, 2021

I remember hearing about the television show "The Mod Squad." I remember watching the movie "Purple Rain" back in 1985.

TIM LINVILLE

June 7, 2021

PRAYERS FOR FAMILY HE WAS A GREAT ACTOR!

June 7, 2021

I used to play Mod Squad with my friend and I always picked to be linc, a little strange for an 11 year old blonde hair green eyed girl. He was intense and a terrific actor. Will miss him.

Janus Jax

June 7, 2021

Thank you for sharing your immense talent with us. You were an icon from the first time I saw you on the Mod Squad, until I recently watched reruns of another favourite series, the mystery woman. May you rest in peace and remain forever in our hearts

Cathy Lara-Lawrence

June 7, 2021

My condolences to the family and friends. May he Rest In Peace and the perpetual light shine upon him.

Chuck G

June 7, 2021

Loved the Mod Squad with Clarence as Lync, condolences to the family

Margie Christian

June 7, 2021

A marvelous actor. I so enjoyed on The Mod Squad He's role model that I wish I could have had in my life

Patricia Cervantes

June 7, 2021

Sad. He was a favorite.

Showing 1 - 97 of 97 results

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