Clarence William Catron, 86, of Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital. He was born on Monday, August 9, 1937 to the late Kyle Buford Catron & Jane Lee Hubbard Catron. Clarence is also preceded in death by his brother, Buford Franklin Catron; sister, Doris Marie Wheeler & daughter-in-law, Beth Catron.

After serving in the United States Navy, Clarence took up trade in his family’s small business, Catron’s Tire Service. In 1970, Clarence purchased this business from his father, Kyle Catron. He has successfully maintained the legacy of this family owned and operated business since then. Through the years, Clarence has carried many titles: Boy Scout leader, Youth Baseball Coach, Thaxton Baptist Church Deacon, Church Treasurer, Ruritan Club Treasurer, and dedicated advocate for the Thaxton Community Center. There is arguably no one who has worked harder to make our community a better place.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara Mattox Catron; children, William Eugene Catron (Joanne), Robert Kyle Catron, Bonnie Catron Key (Jay) & Sherry Leigh Catron; grandchildren, Sam Catron (Molly), Scott Catron, Anne Stine (Joe), Sarah McCauley, Jake Catron (Sara), Rachel Dooley, Michael Dooley, Emily Perry (Creighton), Jason Key (Anna), John Key, Jessie Key (Ashley) & Kasey Carr (Alex); great-grandchildren, Hatchet, Nola Ryan, McKenna Jane, Kora, Bell, Wyatt, Caiden, Austin, Makayla, Kinsley, Maverick, Dawson & Aubrey; like a son, Danny Bowden; numerous nieces, nephews & many special friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made Thaxton Youth & Community Center—Roof Fund, P.O. Box 132, Thaxton, VA, 24174.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford with Pastor Ethan Strickler & Pastor Randy Krantz officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery with Military Honors. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 29, 2024 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Updike Funeral Home, Bedford.