Don Clifft

Mr. Clifft passed away Friday, January 11, 2019, at Bolivar General Hospital.

He was a native and life-long resident of Hardeman County, the son of the late Earnest Roland and Tressie Pauline Hunt Clifft. Don was a 1961 graduate of Bolivar Central High School where he was center on the football team. Mr. Clifft received his bachelor's degree from Lambuth College in 1966 and while at Lambuth was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He also pursued hours toward his master's at Memphis State University.

On November 28, 1975, he married Carla Stafford and they were married 43 years at the time of his death. Mr. Clifft was principal and teacher at Whiteville High School from 1967-70 and principal at Whiteville Elementary School from 1970-86. He was elected Mayor of Hardeman County in 1986 and served three consecutive terms. He was again elected from 2002-06 for a total of 16 years as County Executive.

During his time in public service, Don was instrumental in bringing many improvements to Hardeman County. Things such as a new public library, remodeling of the county courthouse, the Hardeman County Community Health Center, a new county health department (which was named in his honor), and, along with John Wilder, bringing Corrections Corporation of America to the community.

Mr. Clifft served as president of the Tennessee County Services Association and had been chairman of Southwest Human Resources Agency. He also was president of Southwest Developmental District, served on the Quinco Board of Directors and was owner of the Whiteville Farmer's Market. For several years, he helped entertain folks as part of the cast of the local "Hee-Haw" show. He had been a member of Bolivar Presbyterian Church serving as elder and clerk of the sessions until 2004. He had presently been attending Bolivar Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his wife, Carla, of Bolivar; his brother, Ted Clifft (Shirley) of Hickory Valley; his mother-in-law, Bernice Stafford of Kingsport, TN; his sister-in-law, Colleen Goins (Steve) also of Kingsport; brother-in-law, Tim Stafford (Janet) of Jonesborough, TN; and five nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Joe Hunt Clifft.

The family of Don Clifft would like to especially thank the staff and employees of Pine Meadows Healthcare and the Hardeman County Ambulance Authority for their wonderful care.

Memorials may be sent to the Bolivar Cumberland Presbyterian Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital [http://www.stjude.org]