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Search for Clarence Nix: ‘Time is running out,’ sheriff fears 4 days after church deacon vanished

Posted at 4:08 PM, Jul 20, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-20 16:20:58-04

GREENSVILLE COUNTY, Va. — Crews are dealing with heat exhaustion as the search for an Emporia man missing since Wednesday afternoon in rural Greensville County entered fourth day Saturday.

Clarence Nix, who authorities said has mental disabilities, was last seen headed in the direction of I-95 at Exit 13 and Otterdam Road, deputies said.

Clarence Nix

Clarence Nix

The 40-year-old is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 145 pounds. He was last seen wearing khaki pants and a green striped polo shirt.

Greensville County Sheriff W.T. Jarratt Jr. told WTVR CBS 6 senior reporter Wayne Covil that Nix has spent four days in the extreme heat.

“Time is running out as far as his safety and well-being,” Sheriff W.T. Jarratt Jr. said.

Officials stressed Nix is not in any trouble and that his parents are very worried about him.

“He’s never spent a night away from home,” Jarratt said about the “well respected gentleman.”

Additionally, the sheriff said the church deacon helps take care of his parents and they feel lost without him.

“They miss what he does for them and are having a hard time functioning at home without his help,” Jarratt said.

Authorities said the fact that Nix does not have a cellphone nor credit card makes their search more difficult.  However, officials said he may have some cash.

Officials said with the Greensville County Sheriff’s Office said they decided to expand the search area Saturday morning and urged folks to be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary.

“If you see anything that looks different or out of place, please contact the sheriffs office,” Jarratt said. “There will be searchers on the highways and road edges so please be aware.”

Deputies have been conducting a manhunt since Wednesday afternoon and law enforcement has used a number of resources, including K-9s, search and rescue, tactical teams and water rescue teams.

In fact, Jarratt said crews have come from as far as Tidewater, Fairfax, Christiansburg and Blacksburg.

Additionally, the county has had resources from Virginia State Police and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

There has also been an outpouring of support from local businesses and folks on social media.

“Thank you all for the encouraging words, messages and calls during this search, but please be sure to keep Clarence Nix in your thoughts and prayers that we can locate him and keep his family in your thoughts also,” officials posted on Facebook late Friday.

If anyone has seen Nix or has information that could help investigators, call the Greensville County Sheriff’s Office at 434-348-4200.

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