Clarence L Love, Sr.

As for me and my house we will serve the Lord’ (Josuha 24.15).

On March 20, 1929, Clarence Lorenzo Love, Sr. made his first appearance as the fifth child born to the union of the Late Ben Love and Alberta Minatee-Love. He was born on a plantation owned by former State Senator Wilbur Boyd's parents in Terra Ceia, Florida where he and the Senator played together as children. 

Clarence was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great great-grandfather, mentor, brother, uncle and friend of many. He was a man of God; standing with honor, courage, dignity, wealth, wisdom and motivation. He will always be a person written down in his family's hearts and minds as he stressed the importance of saving for those rainy days and an education to all by always saying, "It's best to get it now than to lose it forever."

Brother Love accepted Christ at the age of nine under the Late Reverend Alphonso L. Dixon at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church in Palmetto. He was a very active member of Carter Temple CME in Bradenton, Florida. He was also a vital member until his health declined with New Life General Baptist Church in Palmetto, Florida, where his son-in-law, Reverend David Washington is the pastor. Some of his favorite sayings were, “If you don’t have something good to say about somebody, don’t say nothing. Keep your mouth shut” and ““There’s no such thing as - I can’t.”

Clarence also realized at an early age the importance of an education. Due to the times, he had to drop out of school for several years to  work the fields to help the family out financially. Upon returning to school, he attended and graduated in 1950 from Lincoln Memorial High School in Palmetto, Florida. There are several prominent educators that inspired, encouraged and provided positive influences in his life.The first person was his principal, professor, and state educator W.E. Combs, of Florida A & M University. Another educator was Jack Gant,  who was Florida State University's first Black male faculty in Tallahassee, Florida.  Upon graduating from Lincoln Memorial High School, Mr. Love attended Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, FL.  He ended his studies without a degree and moved back to Bradenton, Florida where he was joined in holy matrimony to his high school sweetheart, Edith Elizabeth Lowe. Clarence and Edith raised their six children, a bonus child and assisted in the upbringing of a host of others.  Poppa Love along with his wife Edith, were very industrious, working many jobs. They worked as janitors, newspaper carriers, swimming pool operators, and also owned Robinson Apartments in Bradenton and Colonial apartments in Palmetto. He was known as “The Rentman” in the community.

Councilman Love became the first black elected official in Bradenton, as well as on the west coast of Florida when he was elected to the Bradenton City Council in 1976. Mr. Love had many accomplishments during his term in office from 1976-1979. He was the first to establish the Section 8 Program and through Councilman Love's efforts, certain areas were provided with paved roads and streetlights. He promulgated efforts to allow for the addition of streetlights within Kingston Estates Subdivision and the widening of 9th Avenue. He established funding for the 13th Avenue Recreation Center and modernized the city water and 

sewage system through an increase in water and sewage rates. He fought against the County over double taxation. Mr. Love had many sleepless nights but the will of God helped him do many of these things for his community while in office. The “Love Park” which was dedicated to him is presently under renovation by the City of Bradenton (CCRA).

Brother Love spent his free time traveling. He had his private pilot’s license and co-owned a plane. He and his wife would fly to Jamaica, Haiti and other Bahamian  Islands. His hobbies included reading, traveling, working in the community, conversing and feasting with family and friends, riding motorcycles and photography. The Loves’ traveled all over the United States and several foreign countries including China, the Soviet Union, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Canada, London, Kenya and several times to Africa.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life - Wife, Edith Lowe-Love; Son, Clarence Love, Jr.; Daughter, Charlene Martin-Spradley; 

He leaves to cherish and carry out his legacy; Sons: Benjamin Lorenzo Love (Jacki), and Anthony Lorenzo Love, Sr.; Bonus Son/Great Nephew, Michael Lamar Blake. Daughters: Janice Louise Love-Washington (Rev. David), Cynthia Louise Love-Leland and Cecelia Louise Love-Hopkins (Wesley). Daughter-in-Law, Cynthia West-Love; Sister-in-Law: Ruther Mae Love; Two Special Friends that stuck closer than a brother: Retired.Colonel Walter “Mickey” Presha and Retired Lieutenant Colonel Azell Johnson.  As well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and other family members.

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