Clyde Lamuel Epps

Clyde Lamuel Epps was born in Maxton, NC on May 24, 1942, to his loving parents Matthew and Dora Epps. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Graham Epps, Mark Epps, Edward Epps, and Varsie Epps. He was also preceded in death by his sisters Sadie Dukes, Ruby Clark, Zelma Scott, Hattie Beck, and Betty Johnson, son-in-law Joe Locklear and a precious granddaughter, Shiloh Faith Epps. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, May 8, 2026 at the age of 83.

Clyde graduated from Laurinburg High School in 1962. He attended a bible camp when asked by his teacher Ms. Margaret Graham, and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He joined the United States Coast Guard and proudly served his country fighting in Vietnam. He was stationed in the Republic of Vietnam and performed duties with the US Coast Guard Division Thirteen, CAT LO whose job was to prevent infiltration of contraband in the South China Sea. He received the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He often mentioned his military service and was proud to serve his country.

After his military service, he returned home and helped his parents farm. In 1969, he met the love of his life and married her in 1970. Together they raised three children and leaves a legacy behind.

Clyde worked at Eaton Corporation until he retired. He loved farming as well. He often enjoyed canning and putting up produce for the winter. He believed in providing the family with their own meat and keeping freezers full for the winter. He was an amazing husband, father, and provider.

Clyde became a deacon at Union Light Baptist Church in 1970 and became Chairman Deacon in 1980. He served as deacon for ten years and Chairman Deacon for forty-six years. He was a true advocate for the Lord and believed in being about our Father’s business. The Lord impressed upon him to be a voice for missions. He was a true advocate for missions and spreading the word of God. He acquired a boldness to speak about the Lord and share his vision. He became known as the “quarter man” throughout Robeson County and the churches throughout the Burnt Swamp Baptist Association.

Clyde loved spending time with his family, reading his bible, praying, witnessing about the Lord, and inquiring, “How is your relationship with the Lord?’ He prayed for his family to be saved and know the goodness of the Lord. He was a diehard Carolina Tarheels and Carolina Panthers fan.

Clyde is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Estell Locklear Epps of the home, son Clyde Anthony Epps (Kerry) of Buie, North Carolina, daughters Arlene Locklear and Leslie Epps Jacobs (Manuel) both of Maxton, NC. He has eleven grandchildren, Ashley (Daniel), Cameron (Lauren), Kaelem, Madison, Kelton, Tracy, Alex, Joe Neil, Jeremiah, Kaleb, and Seth Epps. He has eleven great grandchildren. He is survived by brothers Joseph (Deborah) Epps and Lucius (Vera) Epps both of Maxton, sisters Arletha Epps, Dora Lillian Hoback, Geraldine Epps, Connie Caulder of Maxton, Doretha Epps of Rowland and a host of relatives and friends.

The visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. at the Union Light Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Union Light Baptist Church followed by burial with military honors in the Epps Cemetery.  

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