Clifford Arthur Johnson, Age 91 of Knoxville passed away into the arms of Jesus peacefully March 5, 2022. Born in Des Moines, IA to a young single mother and raised in Little Oklahoma where he lived in two 9×7 sheds with a coal stove and outhouse at $5 a month for rent. Determined, at a young age, to make a better life Cliff started working at 5 years old picking onions, then to setting pins at the bowling alley and then to the railroad. He experienced many extreme hardships and pain throughout his young childhood. At age 11 Cliff accepted Jesus into his heart who gave him overwhelming love and peace like he had never known. He excelled in school and sports, receiving 12 letters in basketball, football, and track. After high school he served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. His dedication to hard work and serving has been evident throughout his life. He committed 20 years to Clinton Corn, some time to Wilbert Vault and then another 20 years to Lindy’s Union Carbide. He had a deep love for the Lord, his family and preaching God’s word to others. From starting a church in his home with his wife Shirley in 1953 all the way through 2022 preaching the love and grace of Jesus to everyone he met. Cliff doted on his nurturing wife Shirley and his beautiful blessings Sandra, Tim, Daniel, Jim, Steve, and Michael every chance that he got. He had many trials and tribulations through a turbulent young childhood, relationship losses, a bout of depression, losing a son to cancer, even being brought back from death in 1995 by Shirley his wife, yet throughout it all he stood by this statement “Praise God! He is Faithful! He has the answer for every problem or need that man has!”
Preceded in death by his mother, Faye Stauffer, and son, Daniel Lee. Survived and blessed by wife, Shirley; children, Sandra, Tim, James, Steve, Michael; grandchildren David, Christine, Cameo, Sarrenna, Nicholas, Tyler, Jessica, Brooke and Cody; and 19 beautiful great grandchildren.
Friends and family are invited to attend the commemorative Military Service that will be held at East Tn. State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 East John Sevier Highway, 8:30am March 18, 2022.
Celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 19, 2022, 2pm at The Church of God of the Union Assembly, 3428 Keith Ave. Knoxville Tn. 37921.
Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home 5430 Rutledge Pike 865-523-4999. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Clifford Arthur Cliff Johnson July 21 1930 March 5 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Knoxville, Province: T-N