Clarence Moats, 81, of Cleveland, TN, passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at his home in southeast Cleveland.
Clarence was born in Benton, TN on February 28, 1932 a son of the late General & Emily Moats. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of Clingan Ridge Baptist Church. Clarence retired from Greyhound with 33 years of service and then went on to drive buses for the Cleveland City School System. Clarence also owned and operated a furniture manufacturing business Moats & Sons Mfg. He wrote many great gospel songs and sang all over the country in several gospel singing groups.
In addition to his parents, Clarence was preceded in death by his wife, Ruthie Moats; one sister, Audrey Peters; and three brothers, Clyde Moats, G.W. Moats and Kenneth Moats.
He is survived by one daughter, Cindy Ellis; three sons, Randall Moats (Cindy), Joseph Moats (Sonya) and Charles Moats; 11 grandchildren, Amy Lawson (Kevin), Bridgette Gumm, Carrie Moats, Corey Moats (Sissy), Adam Ellis (Christina), Lena Moats, Katie Moats, Karissa Moats, Patrick Moats, Colton Reeder and April Reeder; 17 great-grandchildren; numerous other extended family members; and a host of special friends.
A celebration of his life is planned for Friday, September 27 at 7 p.m. at the Clingan Ridge Baptist Church located at 2412 Georgetown Road in Cleveland, TN with the Reverend Gary Moats officiating.
The family will receive friends at the church on Friday, September 27 from 5-7 p.m.
The interment will take place on Saturday, September 28 at 10 a.m. in the Chestuee Baptist Church Cemetery located at 1414 Athens Road in Calhoun, TN with the family serving as pallbearers.
Companion Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.