Clyde Earnest Townsend

Mr. Clyde Earnest Townsend, 90 years of age, of Bell, FL, passed away peacefully on the morning of September 23, 2017. He was born in Trenton, FL on October 12, 1926 to Moses and Abby Townsend and was a lifelong resident of Bell. He was a graduate of the Bell High School Class of 1944. Clyde worked his entire life on the farm he was raised on. He was able to work alongside his son Charles, growing crops and raising livestock; telling many stories of his love and passion for farming. He served on the Gilchrist County School Board for 24 years; the Gilchrist County Farm Bureau as a director for over 50 years; the Central Florida Electric Co op as a director for 28 years and the Seminole Electric Board for 16 years. He was the recipient of the J Min Ayers Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. Clyde was a lifelong active member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church and it is a comfort to his family and friends knowing that he is now in the house of the Lord Jesus Christ. Clyde was quite a treat to his family and many friends. You could always count on a laugh during every encounter with him. His passion was spending time with his family and hunting. Clyde is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Joyce; his son, Robert and an infant daughter. He is survived by his son, Charles (Barbara) Townsend; daughter, Marilyn (Larry) Thompson; six grandchildren, Charles (Kasey) Townsend, Clyde (CJ) Townsend, Charissa Strickland, Carla (Sidney) Whitby, Amy (Bascom) Beville and Blaine Thompson and seven great-grandchildren. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Clyde knows that his wit, humor and kind heart will truly be missed. A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church with the Reverend Jimmy Corbin officiating. Interment will follow at Townsend Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, 4200 NW CR 340, Bell, FL 32619. for on-line condolences please visit his memorial page at www.watsonfhtrenton.com Arrangements are under the care of Watson Funeral Home, 426 W. Wade St., Trenton, FL 32693. (352)463-8888