Williams, Clyde Lee 1916-2007

WILLIAMS, NICHOLS, SCOTT

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/8/2008 at 20:54:15

Clyde Lee Williams was born on May 19, 1916, in Red Rock. He was one of three children born to Daisy Nichols and Grover "Bud" Williams. Clyde attended Red Rock School and graduated in 1934 from Knoxville High School. While in high school he was on the football and track teams and in the glee club.

On Nov. 10, 1940, Clyde married Claudine Scott at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. To this union two children were born. Clyde and Claudine celebrated 65 years together before her death.

Clyde worked at the VA Hospital in Knoxville until WWII started. He entered the US Navy, serving on the USS Aristaeus in the South Pacific. Clyde graduated from St. Louis Mortuary College in 1949.

After working in Newton and Knoxville, Clyde and Claudine started Williams Funeral Home in May 1954. Clyde continued to work at the funeral home until July 2005 when health forced his retirement.

Clyde served many families at their time of loss. He was dedicated to helping families to the best of his ability. Clyde was a charter member and lifetime member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars and lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and National Sprint Car Hall of Fame. Clyde was a charter member of the Knoxville Morning Kiwanis Club in Knoxville. He was also an active member of the Knoxville I.O.O.E. Lodge # 60, Oriental Lodge # 61 and the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine.

For many years Clyde drove his Izeta in various parades. He served for many years on the Marion County Veterans Affairs Commission. Clyde was a true gardener at heart. He loved to raise more than he could use. The true joy was sharing with friends and neighbors. The Williams' cantaloupe and watermelons were enjoyed by hundreds over the years. Clyde had his last crop in 2005 at the age of 89. The Williams Apple Orchard was a favorite hobby-retirement project of Clyde's. His 1000 tree orchard and garden filled his free time.

Clyde and Claudine spent 26 winters in Sarasota, Fla. where he always had a garden. They enjoyed dancing to the big band sounds and square dancing in their younger days. He also fished and hunted. Clyde always had time for a hand of cards especially Pitch. Not only did Clyde and Claudine share over 65 years of marriage but also shared most of their work and activities together. Clyde was a devoted father and grandfather. He loved his family dearly and was proud of their accomplishments.

Clyde Lee Williams passed away on May 7, 2007, at the Knoxville VA Medical Center at the age of 90.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Claudine in 2005, his son, Bruce Williams, one brother, Clifford "Sonny" Williams and one sister, Jessie Bruce.

Survivors include one daughter, Ginger (Ferguson) Harry and her husband, Cecil of Knoxville; two grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; companion and care giver, Irene Victoria of Knoxville; two step granddaughters and their families.

Funeral services were held on May 11 at Williams Funeral Home with Pastor Neil Montz officiating. Military Honors were provided by Baty-Tucker American Legion Post #168, John Myers VFW Post #3519 and the United States Navy Casualty Assistance Corp. Interment was in Graceland Cemetery.

The Knoxville Journal Express, May 18, 2007