Clarence Alvin Custis' Obituary
Clarence Alvin Custis, 75, of Gouldtown, passed away on Monday June 3, 2013 under the care of South Jersey Healthcare Hospice Care at the Bridgeton Inpatient Center. His family was by his side, as he had been in failing health for the past several months.
Born in Bridgeton, he was the son of the late Clarence O. and Frances (nee Hughes) Custis. He had been an area resident all of his life. Clarence was a member of Trinity A.M.E. Church, Gouldtown where he served as one of the Church Trustees.
As a young man Clarence assisted his father in farming. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force in which he served from 1955 – 1959 at several air bases including Lowery AFB, Colorado, McChord AFB, Washington State, and Elmendorf AFB, in Alaska. He began his career as a radar specialist, then transitioned as a heavy equipment operator for the Civil Engineering Squadron. As a Staff Sergeant, he was granted an honorable discharge from the 177th Fighter Interceptor Group of the New Jersey Air National Guard and Reserve in April 1985.
In the mid 1960’s he was employed with Moore’s Super Store in Vineland, where he worked his way up through the ranks from a building supply truck driver, to salesman, and on to store manager. He helped in the coordination of two self-help housing groups, that built homes in Fairfield Township via the Farmer Home Administration.
Clarence was a third generation Fairfield Township Volunteer Fire Company No 2 (Gouldtown) Firefighter. He served as Chief from 1975-1987 and again from 1989-1990, which is where he affectionately earned his nickname, “Chief”. He was also formerly employed as the Assistant Fire Chief for the Federal Aviation Administration Facility, Atlantic City Airport, Pomona, NJ. He was a member of both the Cumberland County and New Jersey State Fireman Relief Associations , as well as the New Jersey State Fire Chiefs Association. He had currently been employed with Ray Harvey Excavating Inc. until his retirement, due to his health in 2012.
Clarence also served on the Fairfield Township Zoning Board, Fairfield Township Board of Education, and was an original member of the committee to study school regionalization, for the western part of Cumberland County. This study led to the formation of the Cumberland Regional School District, on whose Board of Education, he also served.
He is survived by his children Steven B. Custis (Susan)of Clayton, Kimberly C. Hall (Wayne)of Fairfield Twp., Jon A. Custis (Maritess)of San Clemente, CA, and Darren P. Custis (Tracey) of Mays Landing, his one sister Kathryn Reed ( Edward) of Fairfield Twp., eight grandchildren Valerie and Jacob Custis, Jordan Hall, Anna, Leah and Emma Custis, Zachary and Benjamin Custis, various relatives, cousins and friends.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations may be made to the Deborah Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 820, Browns Mills, NJ 08015 or to the Disabled American Veterans
Attention: GIFT PROCESSING, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.
What’s your fondest memory of Clarence?
What’s a lesson you learned from Clarence?
Share a story where Clarence's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Clarence you’ll never forget.
How did Clarence make you smile?
