Gettis “Cliff” Torrance, affectionately known as “Bro”, “Bruh”, “Uncle Bruh” and “Uncle Cliff “was born to the late Cora Torrence and the late Geddis Anderson in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on December 29, 1931. He was the fourth of eight siblings.

Gettis was educated in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and was a 1952 graduate of Atkins High School. Shortly after graduation, he entered The United States Army, where he gave honorable service for his country, including a tour of duty in Germany, prior to his discharge in 1955.

He lived in New York City for more than 20 years. He was as an entrepreneur known for his hot dog stands, record store, and management of the band “The Live Experience.” There he met and married the love of his life, Ruth Anise Brown. In 1978, Gettis moved his family to his hometown of Winston-Salem where he would live and serve the remainder of his life.

Gettis was a retiree from RJR Nabisco and the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. He also worked meaningfully at Winston-Salem State University where he impacted the lives of many students. He was an avid WSSU Rams fan and was frequently found at men’s and women’s basketball games, football games and other sporting events, along with his cousin the late AIlean Sims, emphatically cheering the team, providing guidance from the sidelines, and challenging the referees.

Gettis was a long-time member of Mount Zion Baptist Church where he joined and was baptized under the pastorate of the late Dr. R. L. File. He exercised the tenets of his faith by serving in many auxiliaries. He was a member of Sunday School, past president of the St. Mark Group of the Layman’s League, coach of the Mount Zion softball team, advisor to Boy Scout Troop #869, Chancel Choir, and president of the Spiritual Choir. Gettis was known for his service on the Hospitality Committee where he served as a “Greeter,” known for pulling people into the doors of the church with a warm welcome and infectious smile.

He loved to coach sport teams and served as a coach of the Midnight League men’s basketball team at the Patterson Avenue YMCA, and he coached a Saturday youth basketball league.

Most of all, Gettis was known as a lover of God and a lover of family. He was deeply devoted in his relationship with Christ and served as an example of devout faith to his family and all persons he encountered. He loved his family fiercely and was a father figure to his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and several members of his family and community.

Gettis founded the Torrence Family Reunion and spearheaded the family reunion committee for many years. His heart’s desire was always to bring his family together and to keep them closely connected. He was the glue that held links of the family together from far and wide. He was a leader, counselor, confidant and guide. He was often a source of guidance, wisdom, strength and encouragement to those who sought him for support and counsel. He loved to help others in any way he could and often found meaningful ways to serve his fellow man without being asked.

Gettis “Cliff” Torrance peacefully entered into eternal rest at his home on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, surrounded by his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six of his siblings, Marie Torrence Cash, Edward “King” Torrence, Edna Torrence, Carrie Torrence Richardson, Leroy Torrence, and Robert “Robbo” Torrence.

The unspeakable joy that awaits him in heaven is the hope and promise of those who look forward to a reunion with him in eternity. Those family members who survive to cherish his memory and carry out his legacy include his wife of 53 years, Ruth Anise Brown Torrance; four children, Wyvern Anthony, Sharnay Torrance, Tremaine Torrance, and Keir Rhodes; eight grandchildren, Ishmul (Annette) Lentz, Jesse McCullen, Myshea (Bobby) Braham, Kevin Anthony, Devin Anthony, Keira Rhodes, Brandon Hawkins, and Willice (Tiffany) While, III; 17 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Ann “Addie Mae” McKenzie; three sisters-in-law, Roxanne Torrence, Dolores Campbell, and Kim Mahmoud; two brothers-in-law, John Alston and Mark Thompson; one aunt, Dorothy (Marion) Trawick; two bonus daughters, Carolyn Arlease White and Mary (Torre) Lewis; a very devoted “daughter” niece, Deadra Torrence, who affectionately called him her “Uncle-Daddy”; a host of loving nieces and nephews who affectionately refer to him as “Uncle Bruh” or “Uncle Cliff”; and many cousins and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, June 25, 2026 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Friday, June 26, 2026 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1:00pm on Friday at the Church.