Clyde Arnold Williams, 78, of Sparta, passed away July 3, 2023, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his family.
He was born June 28, 1945, in Putnam County, to Loftis and Edna Rice Williams.
He graduated from White County High School, in 1963. In 1965, he married the love of his life, Mary Frances Bumbalough Williams. They were married for 57 years. He was drafted into the National Guard, in 1965, where he served state-side for six years. He retired from Sparta Electric & Water System after 30 years. He was a volunteer firefighter for the city of Sparta. He had a love for volleyball and played for many years. He was a member and song leader at Johnson Baptist Church for 56 years.
Arnold was preceded in death by his mother and father, Loftis Williams and Edna Rice Williams; his brothers, Holman Williams, Ernie Williams; a sister, Loretta Burton; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Will and Ova Bumbalough; brothers-in-law, Bobby McCloud, Ralph Bumbalough, Lester Cunningham, Harold Moore; and sister-in-law, Peggy Bumbalough.
Surviving family members include his wife of 57 years, Mary Frances Williams; son, David Arnold Williams (Stephanie), of Sparta; daughter, Kimberly Annette Williams Craven, of Sparta; grandchildren,
Joshua "J.J." Breeding (Bri), Daniel Williams (Kristina "Argo"), Jessi Craven, Trenton Williams, Caden Williams, Kyler Williams, Riley Williams; great-grandchildren, Nick, Jayden, Noah; step-great-grandchildren, Emily, Ashton, Bella; siblings, Helen Leech, Harold Williams (Betty), Paul Williams (Judy), Patricia Moore; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Honorary children are Tim Wheeler, Lanny Patton, Misty Palotta, Michael McCowan, and Robert Pittman.
Arnold's second surviving family members include Robert Bumbalough, J.T, Bumbalough (Patsy), Jane Bumbalough, Maggie McCloud, Barbara Cunningham, Martha Hudson (James), and Janice Pittman (John).
Funeral service was 11 a.m., July 8, 2023, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, with burial in Bohannon Cemetery, in Monterey. The Rev. Tim Judd and the Rev. Elmore Judd officiated.
Pallbearers were Josh "J.J." Breeding, Daniel Williams, Trenton Williams, Caden Williams, Lanny Patton, Tim Wheeler, Shane Williams, Justin Moore, Ryan Williams, and Rod Williams.
Oak Lawn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements
