Claude Howard Climer Sr.

Claude Howard Climer Sr., age 94, a lifelong and beloved resident of Bradley County, Tennessee, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Claude was an amazing man of God and a devoted father, mentor, and friend. From being pronounced dead at birth, to surviving a life-changing football injury at age 17, to a public career that spanned more than 36 years, Claude's life was a powerful testimony of perseverance, faith, and determination. He was a long-time member of North Cleveland Baptist Church where he sang with a quartet for many years.

Claude was born on February 7, 1932, and raised in Bradley County, Tennessee, by his parents, the late John E. Climer and Bertha Goins Climer. Like many of his generation, Claude grew up working on the family farm alongside his brothers and sisters. He attended Chilcutt Elementary School as a young boy and, even later in life, could recall the names of many of his childhood classmates. Claude had a remarkable gift for making friends and maintaining those friendships throughout his life.

Claude attended Bradley Central High School in the late 1940s, where he met the love of his life, Dolores Kile. While at Bradley Central, he played varsity football as a running back and developed a lifelong love for the game. In 1949, during a football game against Central High School, Claude suffered a severe injury that ultimately required the amputation of his right leg. The tragic accident deeply affected the community, and news of the injury spread quickly across Bradley County. At the time, such a devastating football injury was virtually unheard of. The people of Bradley County rallied around Claude, raising funds to help him attend college at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

While attending UT, Claude developed an interest in watchmaking and later transferred to a watchmaking school in Clinton, Tennessee. After completing his training, Claude and Dolores were married and he then established a watch repair shop at Ables Hardware in downtown Cleveland.

Claude later felt called to public service. Encouraged by the residents of Bradley County, he ran for the office of Bradley County Clerk. He was elected by a landslide and faithfully served the citizens of Bradley County for 36 years.

Throughout his life, Claude never allowed his amputation to slow him down. Instead, he used his experience to encourage and minister to other amputees, inspiring many with his strength, resilience, and unwavering faith in God.

Claude was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Dolores Kile Climer, and great-grandson, Matthew Climer of Carthage, TN. His parents, John E. and Bertha Goins Climer; his brothers and sisters, Irene Dowdy, Herman Climer, Lewis Climer, Gladys Hancock, Lake Climer, and Calvin Climer. Then later in life, his special companion, Shirley Shadden.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sons: Claude "Hal" Climer Jr.; Mitch Climer (Darlene) of Cleveland, TN; and Lindsey Climer (Gina) of Anaheim, CA.

His grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Lindsay Climer Arnold and her sons, Eli and Imri Arnold, of Birchwood, TN; Eric Climer (Dee) and their sons, Logan and Andrew, of Carthage, TN; Lacy Climer Rackley (Wes) and their children, Brynne and William Joel, of Cleveland, TN; Claude "Trey" Climer III of Cleveland, TN, and his sons, Jamie, Thomas, and Royal; Steven Climer (Katie) and their daughter, Kapri, of La Habra, CA; Jacob Climer of Anaheim, CA; and Marissa Climer Navarro (Frank) of Fullerton, CA.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Companion Funeral Home on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m in the Ridge Sanctuary. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. A procession to Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery will follow services.

You are encouraged to share a memory of Claude and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist his family with these arrangements.