Clarence Sheffield, Jr.’s pastor described it as “larger than life.”

Sheffield, who died on February 1 at the age of 80, was described by friends as a joker, someone who loved life to the fullest, always had a song in his heart and enjoyed making memories with his family. But most of all, he loved the Lord and his church at Valley Forge Free Will Baptist, where he was a member of the Praise Choir.

In previous years, Sheffield and his wife, Louise, had been active members of Biltmore Baptist Church, where he served as music minister and youth leader. He and Louise were also leaders of RA and GA. He later served as choir director at Fellowship Community Church.

In Valley Forge Free Will, Sheffield was known for “his” song, “I Want to Stroll Over Heaven With You”.

“When he sang that song, he would grab a wireless microphone and go down every aisle of the church singing and shaking hands as he went. It could not be contained, ”his wife shared.

Friends also described Sheffield as a man with a big heart, who would take your shirt off. “He was known to pick up hitchhikers just to fellowship and befriend them,” his wife shared with a laugh.

Sheffield was a veteran of the United States Army, where he served in the 82nd Airborne Division. And, skydiving was a favorite activity. He parachuted as Santa Claus during Christmas celebrations at the former TG & Y store in Elizabethton, and skydived at Bristol Motor Speedway and Kingsport Speedway. Sadly, his son, Richard, who followed in his father’s footsteps as a skydiver, was killed in a skydiving accident last October at the David Crockett Musket Bowl game. Richard’s twin sons also enjoy skydiving, making it a third generation sport.

“Clarence never got over Richard’s accident…he was so sorry,” Louise said. “Like his father, Richard loved skydiving,” she shared.

In addition to Richard, Clarence had a second son, Timmy; two daughters, Tammy and Rhonda; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“Of all the things Clarence enjoyed, family and church were the most important to him,” his wife said. “He loved to sing. When he couldn’t go because of his health, she would lament, ‘I miss church. I miss the chorus. He was a good Christian man,” Louise shared.

Clarence was known to the kids at church as the “candy man” as he always had a pocket full of candy that he shared with them.

In real life, Clarence was a long-haul trucker, enjoyed football, and was a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. Although he died before the Super Bowl was played, he’s probably having his own Super Bowl party in heaven, complete with a little singing.

Louise said her husband enjoyed family gatherings, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas. “He enjoyed the turkey and dressing, the broccoli casserole and the sweet potato casserole, but his favorite food was the bean soup, French fries and cornbread,” she shared.

Clarence Sheffield lived an amazing life. There were no dull moments with him.

“Clarence was first and foremost a servant of Jesus Christ. He loved Jesus, his family, his church and his many friends. We won’t soon forget that smile that was always on his face,” said Pastor Randy Johnson.

“He left us some incredible memories. He lived life to the fullest,” the pastor said.

Today, Clarence Sheffield isn’t singing the song, but he is, in fact, taking a walk in the sky.