Obituaries

Clarence Mishaw Sr. was born on May 10, 1940, in Athens, Alabama. He entered eternal rest on March 6, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan, his adopted hometown.

He was one of 15 children of the late Hobert and Alice White Mishaw. He attended Lakeside High School in Decatur, Alabama.

Affectionately known to many as “Uncle Clarence,” “The Tile Man,” and “Papa Rock,” Clarence was a man who believed deeply in working hard and enjoying life to the fullest. A devoted family man and excellent provider, he was admired for his strength, generosity, and unwavering commitment to those he loved.

Clarence was well known for his keen sense of humor and infectious personality. He never allowed life’s challenges to overcome him and was often remembered for his playful jokes and laughter shared with family and friends. Outside of work, Clarence greatly enjoyed dancing, bowling, and spending quality time with family and friends

Clarence was a born-again Christian saved from his sins through the power of the blood of Jesus. He accepted Christ as his Savior at a young age, and he renewed that foundation of faith in his later years. He freely shared his faith with all, through good times & bad, until he entered his peace with God.

As a young man, he left Alabama to pursue greater opportunities, first moving to Nashville, Tennessee, where he worked alongside his brother George Mishaw at Forest Allen Tile Company. While in Nashville, he attended Mt. Gilead Baptist Church and served as a deacon. On February 14, 1961, Clarence married Cora Nichols and started a family. Soon after, he relocated his family to Detroit, Michigan, where he worked briefly as a delivery truck driver for Sanders Bakery.

Eventually, Clarence became the owner of Mishaw Tile Company in Detroit. During the 1970s, he achieved a historic milestone by becoming one of the first African Americans to be unionized as a national tile contractor—an accomplishment that reflected his skill, perseverance, and leadership. He was highly regarded as a leading tile craftsman and completed significant projects in Detroit, throughout Michigan, and in other states. including at the Detroit Renaissance Center.

Clarence Mishaw Sr. will be remembered for his generosity, bright personality, his humor, his toughness & perseverance, his tile craftsmanship and expertise, his self-confidence, his fearlessness, and his determination to be himself at all costs. His legacy of hard work, laughter, faith, and love will live on in the hearts of his family and friends forever.

Clarence leaves his cherished children: Clarence Mishaw Jr., Kimberly, Keith, and Chantell

Grandchildren: Michel, Daniel, Victoria, Maliya, Janelle, Pamela, Alicia, Matthew, Zion

Great Grandchildren: Katelyn, Michael, Kristopher, Kyra, Christian, Aiden, Zachariah

Surviving Siblings: Frances Helm, Ruthie Love (Elmer), and Charles Mishaw; a host of extended family members, church family, and friends, who have had the pleasure of enjoying his presence.