Earl Thomas (II) Klyce

Obituary
Earl Klyce aged 86, transitioned from this life to eternal rest on Friday, May 20, 2022. Earl was born Decem-
ber 20, 1935 in Alamo, Tennessee to Roxie Elizabeth and Earl D. Klyce. He was preceded in death by them
both and his wife of 35 years, Earlene Klyce .
Earl was the last of all his living siblings, his sisters, Pleurah Ruth, Bessie Mae, Nancy, Johnnie Marion,
Maybeline, Louise and Gloria Ann Klyce; his brothers Shannon Love, Paul, Alger and Henry, all preceded
him in death.
At the age of 9 in 1946 the Klyce and Love family moved to Grand Rapids where Earl grew up on the south-
west side of Grand Rapids. Growing up as a kid he was called "Hammer" and later he was called "Big Earl".
He attained his education at Central High School. He was raised in a loving home, loved his family, and
adored his mother.
In the early 1960's he met Grace Vasser of Grand Rapids; they were married in 1968. To this union one child
was born, his first son "Lil Earl" and his stepson Bruce Vasser.
Earl enjoyed a good laugh, spending time with his family and watching The Price Is Right and Let’s Make A
Deal. He was known for mowing the lawn and snowblowing all the neighbors’ yards. He was always finding
something for his hands to do. He even boxed for the Michigan Golden Gloves.
Earl always demonstrated a great work ethic. He was a truck driver in 1957. He worked for Kindel Furniture
for many years mixing chemicals used in varnish. He also worked for Grand Rapids Die Cast from 1967 to
1977 weighing metals until his work injury.
He made good use of his time providing rides, and help to family and friends, and he did it with pleasure. He
was the go-to man. He had every widget and gadget to fix, anything. If you needed steel toe boots...stop by
grandpa's because he had all types of shoes and sizes. Later in life, in 1973 Earl’s second son was born, Curtis
Jennings.
In 1979 Earl met "Lean" Earlene. In 1980 their courtship began. In March of 1985 they were joined in mar-
riage at Apostolic Faith Church. Earl was always supportive and faithful during their 41 years together. They
were like Ketchup and Mustard, almost always seen together.
In 1984 he was invited to a revival service, he went and God pricked his heart every night and he surrendered.
He was baptized by the late Bishop L.E. Brisbin in Jesus Name and he was filled with the Gift of the Holy
Ghost. He remained faithful in attendance for over 35 years until he began to decline in his mobility
Pastor Allen Julien appointed him deacon in 2000 until 2022. He served as brotherhood chair 1yr and as assis-
tant chair. He served as head of security for 15+ years and head of van transportation. He was also a van driver
for many years. He would even cut the lawn and shovel the snow.
Deacon Klyce loved his family, his sons, and his church family. He was a great father always supportive and
present for his children. The grands and greats he gave nicknames like "Loudmouth" to match their personali-
ty. Deacon Klyce will always be remembered for his swelling sense of humor, his love for people and certainly
his gift of laughter. He will be forever missed.
He leaves to cherish his memories, 1 devoted stepdaughter Charlean (Richard) Allen of Grand Rapids, Michi-
gan, 2 Sons Kenneth Earl Klyce of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Curtis L. Jennings of Adrian, Michigan, 8
grandchildren Donta, Tyron, Jimeeka, Toty'onna Jackson-Klyce, Tevin Klyce, Tavarri Klyce, Shilyn Vasser
and Shiloh Vasser, 15 great-grandchildren, 4 great- great grandchildren, a host of many nieces and nephews,
AFC church family and friends, and 1 special friend Mr. Charles Kelly

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