His Melody Lives On: A Legacy of Faith, Music, and Love

Clarence Gore, Sr. was born on April 2, 1938, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to the late John Wesley Gore, Sr. and Mamie Davis Gore. The third oldest of ten children, Clarence was raised in a loving, God-fearing family and nurtured in the teachings of Kimberly Park Holiness Church, which remained his spiritual home throughout his life. He departed this life on Sunday, October 18, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, music, service, and love.

Clarence attended Kimberly Park Elementary School and graduated from Atkins High School in 1958. During high school, he participated in the drama club, jazz band, marching band, concert band, and baseball team. Born into a talented family where singing and forming musical groups were cherished traditions, Clarence developed a deep love for music at an early age. His gift for drumming was evident even as a young boy, when he would ride on coal and wood delivery trucks throughout his neighborhood, creating rhythms on hubcaps and anything else he could find to serve as a drum. This early creativity grew into a lifelong passion that would leave a lasting mark on Winston-Salem’s music scene.

While still in high school, Clarence started his first band, Gore’s Combo. By the mid-1960s, he had transitioned to Gore and the Upsetters, performing rhythm and blues, soul, and funk for audiences locally and up and down the East Coast.

A gifted musician and entrepreneur, Clarence opened Gore’s Gay 90 Club in Winston-Salem in the late 1960s. Later renamed the Peacock Lounge, the club became part of the city’s vibrant entertainment and African American cultural scene, attracting nationally recognized recording artists and bringing notable musical talent to the community. He also owned and operated a grocery store, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the community.

In addition to his business and musical ventures, Clarence pursued a career in corporate manufacturing. He worked at R.J. Reynolds and Schlitz Brewery, which later became Stroh’s Brewery, where he eventually retired. Throughout his life, he demonstrated a strong work ethic and a commitment to providing for his family.

Clarence’s contributions extended into the broader community. He co-founded and actively led The Sophisticated Gents, Inc., helping support its Distinguished Citizens Awards Program, which recognized individuals for their contributions to the community. His impact on Winston-Salem’s African American history and culture was also recognized in Images of America: Winston-Salem’s African American Legacy, preserving his place in the history of the city he called home.

Above all, Clarence was a faithful servant of God. At Kimberly Park Holiness Church, he helped establish the Male Chorus and served as its director. He also served as president and director of Senior Choir #1, a Trustee, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent of Sunday School, and a Deacon. Through these roles, Clarence faithfully shared his musical gifts and leadership in service to the Lord and his church family.

On August 29, 1987, Clarence married Fannetta Hines Gore. Together, they built a life grounded in love, commitment, and family. Clarence was a devoted husband and proud father to Clarence Jr., Pilar, Lucretia, and Reggie. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and loved watching his family grow through each new generation.

Clarence also loved capturing family memories. At gatherings and celebrations, he could often be found bringing out his video or still camera and handing it to Fannetta to record the occasion. He wanted to preserve the family’s special moments, laughter, and milestones for generations to come.

Clarence also had a fun and spirited side. He was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan and a devoted enthusiast of television Westerns. He enjoyed horticulture and took great pride in tending to his yard, which was always immaculate. Whether cheering for his favorite football team, watching a classic Western, or fussing over his yard, Clarence found joy in life’s simple pleasures.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, John Wesley Gore, Sr. and Mamie Davis Gore, and his siblings, John Wesley Gore, Jr., Joe Nathan Gore, Sr., Verdie G. Morris, Willie Gore, and Solomon Gore, Sr..

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 39 years, Fannetta Hines Gore; his children, Clarence (Tammy) Gore, Jr., Pilar (Kenneth) Grimes, Lucretia (Nathan) Berry, and Thurmond Reginald (Brandie) Carter; and his twelve grandchildren: Sydney and Clarence III Gore; Garrison, Grayden, and Grant Grimes; Sinclair, London, and Quinn Berry; and Kimani, Adia, Nailah, and Sekani Carter. He is also survived by his sisters, Iris (Talmadge) Alexander of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Pamela (Mark) Hall of Haymarket, Virginia; his brothers, David Gore, Donald (Mary) Gore, and Charles Gore, all of Winston-Salem; his sisters-in-law, Eva Gore, Jeanette Kelly, and Earline (Dale) Martin; his brother-in-law, Carl Hines; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, friends, fellow musicians, church members, and community associates.

Clarence Gore, Sr. lived a life defined by faith, hard work, music, entrepreneurship, service, and love. From the young boy drumming on hubcaps in his neighborhood to the accomplished musician, businessman, church leader, and community servant he became, he left an enduring mark on Winston-Salem and all who knew him. His legacy lives on through the music he played, the church he served, the community he helped uplift, and the family he loved so dearly.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21 (KJV)

Rest well, Clarence Gore, Sr. Your earthly song has ended, but your melody will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved you.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Monday, October 26, 2026 at Kimberly Park Holiness Church. Interment will follow in Gardens of Memory, Walkertown, NC. The family visitation will be held from 10:00am until 11:00am on Monday at the Church.