Born Dec. 22,1941, in Alton, he was a son of the late Clarence Britts Sr. and Charlotte (Smith) Britts-Knight.

He attended Marquette High School and graduated from Alton High School in 1960.

A U.S. Navy Vietnam War veteran, he retired in 1980 after 22 years of service.

He was previously married to Rosemary Mike of Alton.  They were married in Honolulu.

Surviving are four daughters, SSG Pamela L. Heidelberg of Newport, Rhode Island, Rose M. (Quintin) Davis of Memphis, Tenn., and Charlotte (Nickie) Britts and Carina Dunlap of Alton; a son, Ted Looney of Memphis; two brothers, Robert (Eva) of Blackjack, Mo., and Clarence Britts Jr. of Chicago; a sister, Alicia (Roxy) Britts of Country Hill; three grandchildren, Dominique Looney, Tyler Looney and Jordan N. Looney, all of Memphis; his devoted aunt, Mary Britts of Alton; and nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends who will always treasure his memory.

He was preceded in death by a 'loving stepmother, Charlene (Kaiser) Britts. She lived in Chicago.