Clarence C. Nease, 81, of Cleveland, Tn., died on Tuesday, June 19, 2012.
He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in Germany from 1957-1959. He retired from J & S Restaurants (Hardees Food) after 27 years. During retirement he went to area schools promoting literacy. In October of 2000 he was a recipient of a heart transplant. Clarence was a member of North Cleveland Baptist Church, was actively involved with the March of Dimes and the Jaycees and was an avid sports fan, who loved the Tennessee Vols. He never met a stranger, loved people and would talk non-stop. He had a special way of making people smile.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Maudie and Clifton Nease; brother, Ray Nease; and sisters, Maggie Price, Hilda Nease, Wylene Maroon, Tressie Byrd, Anna Lee Gates and Golden Vernon.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Faye Nease; daughter, Penny Alawat and husband, Sam; son, Todd Nease and special friend, Michelle Hyde; grandchildren, Bart Withrow and wife, Karra, Haylee Withrow, Cody Nease, Tucker Nease, Laurabeth Nease and Carson Nease; great-grandchildren, Haydon and Baylee; brother, Harley Nease and wife, Elizabeth; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Tess.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 22, at North Cleveland Baptist Church with Dr. Jay McCluskey officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, June 21 at Grissom Funeral Home, who has charge of the arrangements, and on Friday, June 22 one hour prior to the service at the church.
The family requests that memorials be made to North Cleveland Baptist Church Building Fund, 2815 N. Ocoee Street, Cleveland, TN 37312.