ARCHER CLIFTON 'CLIFF' STEPHENS
Archer Clifton “Cliff” Stephens, 98, passed away peacefully at his home in Norris March 27, 2020.
Cliff was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, coach, and friend. He was born on the Cumberland Plateau, March 20, 1922, in Clifty to parents Grover and Addie (Winningham) Stephens. The family soon moved to Cravenstown, where they lived until the coal mines in that area closed in 1932. Cliff always considered himself a “Depression-era Democrat,“ as it was the creation of Tennessee Valley Authority and the building of Norris Dam, which provided his father a job and led to the family moving to Norris in March of 1934. He graduated from Norris High School, playing on the very first NHS basketball team as a senior, coached by Ben Martin. Immediately following his graduation in 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served until the end of World War II. Upon his return to Norris, Cliff entered the University of Tennessee, where he was a walk-on football player. He continued playing football and basketball at Milligan College before returning to graduate from UT. He was a Physical Education teacher and basketball coach at Norris High School from 1948-1952. He kept in touch with many of his former students and players, always interested in their lives and accomplishments. In 1952 he moved his family to Clearwater, Fla., where he opened Stephens Shell Service Station on the corner of Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Skyview Avenue. He became a district sales representative for Shell Oil Company and later founded Clearwater Fuel Oil Company. Upon his retirement in 1989, he and Gene moved “home” to Norris to be near their family.
Patriotism and public service were the hallmarks of Cliff’s life. He was always grateful for the opportunities he had been given and worked to make life better for others. He was the first elected Norris representative to the Anderson County Court. During his time on the County Court, negotiations were begun with TVA and Anderson County resulting in the eventual creation of Anderson County Park, as well as the building of a new gym for Norris High School. He taught many Norris area children to swim at a floating crib he built below the Tea Room on Norris Lake.
While living in Clearwater, Cliff served on Sheriff Don Genung’s Civil Service Board, was elected to the Clearwater City Commission, served on the Pinellas County Commission, and was a lifetime member of Sertoma Club International. He was appointed by Governor Reuben Askew to serve on the board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District which manages Florida’s water resources. He coached PAL football and was a supporter of The Florida Sheriff’s Boys Ranch. In honor of his public service to Clearwater, a city park bears his name. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Clearwater where he served as a high school Sunday school teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, and Chairman of the Executive Board.
Upon moving back to Norris, Cliff served on the Norris Water Commission, the Friends of the Library Board, and taught tennis as part of the Summer Enrichment Program. Cliff and friends worked to replace the original gazebo on Observation Point and created the Norris High School Alumni Scholarship Fund. He especially enjoyed volunteering at the Museum of Appalachia. He was a member of the Norris Religious Fellowship, serving on various committees. Cliff cherished his many friends and always tried to be a friend in return. He was a true “Volunteer,” an encourager, and a mentor. His greatest joy was in his family and the wonderful memories of times together. His great-grandchildren were a source of love and light in his last years,
Cliff was preceded in death by: Beloved wife of 65 years, Gene Lambdin Stephens; infant great-grandson and namesake, Mason Archer Weaver; parents, Grover and Addie Stephens; brothers and sister, Kenneth, Quincey, and Lorene Stephens.
He is survived by his devoted family: Daughter, Amanda (Ron) Weaver; granddaughter, Whitney (Alex) North; grandson, Ben (Brittanie) Weaver; great-grandchildren, Ike and Brynn North, and Mollie and Manning Weaver; brother-in-law, Bill Lambdin of Clearwater; several nieces and nephews; and dear friend, Hope Leab and her family.
The family extends love and gratitude to his compassionate caregivers Alysia, Dixie, Kathy, Theresa and Chandra, as well as the office staff of Visiting Angels and to all of the staff of Covenant Hospice especially his nurses, Angie and Christie.
In honor of Cliff’s life please enjoy a walk in our beautiful surroundings, find an opportunity to contribute to your community or help a neighbor.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to MAWS Cause 124 Deer Trail Lane, Lake City, TN 37769 or the Norris High School Alumni Scholarship Fund 3204 Hinds Creek Road Heiskell, TN 37754
Friends may call at their convenience at the Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 31.
A private graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at Norris Memorial Gardens, conducted by Jim Hayes and Reverend David Seiber.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. www.holleygamble.com