Clifford was born on a cold January day to Keith Clifford Knudson and Jessie Lee Parker Knudson, being their first son. He left this life on Jan. 6, 2024, for his eternal home after a lingering illness. He was 83.
He was a lifelong resident of Morrison, with a short time in Detroit, Michigan, and Smithville, Tennessee. His career spanned from working at Chrysler, supervisor at an injection mold plant, owner of a gas station and later years an over-the-road truck driver. He was an avid Atlanta Braves and NASCAR fan. When Richard Petty ruled, he thought the blue oval Ford was the only car. He met the love of his life, Jean Ann Gilley, at McMinnville Bowling Lanes, in 1960, and they have been together ever since. He was a Christian, baptized at a young age, and a member of the Morrison Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Keith Clifford and Jessie Lee Parker Knudson; grandparents, Bob and Beaulah Parker; sister, Joyce Jones; daughter-in-law, Darlene Knudson; and nephews, Flint Wilson Gilley, Billy Dennis, and Clifton Dennis.
Survivors include his wife, Jean Ann Gilley Knudson; three children, Dwayne Knudson, Darrel Knudson, both of Morrison, and DeLisa (Edd) Cantrell, of Sparta. In addition, Clifford was blessed with five grandchildren, Gabriel (Katie) Knudson, of Fountain Run, Kentucky, MaKenzie (Matt) Thompson, of Clarksville, Hunter Cantrell and fiancée Caitlin Winbern, Luke (Madelyn) Cantrell, all of Sparta, Andrew Cantrell, of Tallahassee, Florida; three great-grandchildren, Peyton Knudson and Haley and Damian Keele; special fur baby, Lucy; and special first cousin, Becky Johnson.
Funeral service was 11 a.m., Jan. 8, 2024, at High Funeral Home Chapel, in McMinnville, with burial in Gardens of Memory Cemetery.
Chris Perry and Edd Cantrell II officiated.
He asked his grandsons to do the honor of being pallbearers, Gabriel Knudson; Hunter, Luke, and Andrew Cantrell; and Peyton Knudson along with a special family member, Mason Rowland.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice, especially nurses Nacey, Cheryl, Erica, Ashley Dyer, and Ashley Price.
High Funeral Home, in McMinnville, was in charge of arrangements.
