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Phil Clapp Obituary
Knoxville, TN
Phil Clapp, age 83, lifelong resident of South Knoxville, passed away October 31st, 2018. A wonderful and hilariously impatient father, lovingly grumpy
husband, Phil had enough charisma for 20 men and the heart to match. All-State in football and basketball at Young High School, and All-American at bulls----ing on the streets of South Knoxville and the MacAnally Flats, Phil was the
center of attention of whatever room he
commanded. Armed with a searing intelligence and a creative, mischievous eye, the only thing he loved more than his family and friends was riling them up through the recounting of embarrassing stories (of which he would invariably embellish) at their expense, or by outright pranking them. Everyone was fair game, but his employees at Clapp Tire Company probably received the worst (read: best) of it. He wasn't afraid to serve a delicious ex-lax milkshake to his employees (unbeknownst to them of course), mail fake letters from the 'V.D. Clinic' to their homes, or scare them halfway to Huntsville by staging a
gunfight at the company Christmas party between two men armed with blank cartridges. His energy and sense of humor will of course be missed, and his love and spirited sense of friendship and family, although irreplaceable, will forever endure. He often said, "The greatest thing you can have in this life is friends," and Phil Clapp had many. Preceded in death by parents John Boston and Sara Jane Clapp; wife of 61-years Lemoyne Clapp; sister-in-law Marjorie Clapp; brother-in-law Bob Wade; and father and mother-in-law John and Nora (Billie) Houck. Phil is survived by brother Dr. Johnny Clapp and wife Betty; daughters Lynne and husband Ronnie Draughon, Krisden and husband Danny Parrott; son PJ and wife Naomi Clapp; grandchildren Dusty, Krisden, and Ronnie Draughon, Brandon Parrott, Madison, Rocko, and Arlo Clapp; great-grandchildren Dylan and Devyn Draughon, Londyn Crawford; sister-in-law Phyllis Wade; half-brother-in-law Johnny Houck; niece Rhonda Whitt; nephews Robbie, Roger, and Richie Wade. The family will have a graveside service Saturday, November 3rd, at 11am at Woodlawn Cemetery, 4500 Woodlawn Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee 37920. Rev. Don Wilson will officiate. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Phil Clapp
Sponsored by Berry Funeral Home - Knoxville.
Leon M White
March 9, 2025
My name is Leon White. I have just learned of Phil's passing. Phil and I were good friends back in the late 1940's at Galbraith School in South Knoxville. I have fond memories of Phil. He and I were on the Galbraith School basketball team. I was short; Phil was tall. I played guard; Phil played center. I was a good dribbler; Phil was a good shooter. My job was to dribble the ball past halfcourt, pass the ball to Phil and watch him shoot. He would make the shot most of the time. We were told that the head basketball coach at Young High School said he was looking forward To Phil Clapp and Leon White playing at Young High. I stayed short and did not play; Phil went on to play and had a great career. My father died in the summer of 1950 and moved our family to her home, New Orleans. Thus ended my association with Phil. All I got left with is great memories of Phil. My email is [email protected]
Charlotte Frye
October 27, 2021
South Knoxville will never be the same without Phil andLemoyne! So sorry we lost them. Missed and loved by so many people!
Jeannie Rhodes
November 7, 2018
Prayers for your family.
William Collier Jr.
November 5, 2018
I'm so sorry about your loss , I really loved your Mom and Dad, they was like our family, at the Lunch. We saw them every day for years. They will be sadly missed.
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Steve Halsey
November 5, 2018
So sorry the losses keep piling up on you guys.
We enjoyed your mom and dad so much when they drove down for sister Norma's 80th birthday.
Steve & Betty Halsey
Sheila Eldridge-Upton
November 4, 2018
PJ & Family I'm so sorry for your loss, once again heaven has gained another angel Ik Phil & Lemonyne from Lunch House served them many years & always diced Phil's onion for his beans! He always made my day with his pranks or funny jokes!!!
Herman Goddard
November 4, 2018
Have known Phil for many years. Friendship as long. My condolence to his family.
God bless. He was a wonderful man.
K J
November 3, 2018
While Standing in line at the bank , a very nice man asked if I knew Of Johnny Knoxville, I said yes , and he proudly talked of his son Sorry for our loss
Kermit Fox
November 3, 2018
Lynne, Krisden, P.J. and Johnny...You have my deepest sympathy. I have lost my friend of 67 years. We shared great memories, fun and laughs over the years. May God comfort each of you with his love. Kermit & Marie Fox
Rob Foust
November 3, 2018
That has to be the most accurate obituary I've ever read. Phil was one of a kind for sure. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. RIP my friend.
Dot King
November 3, 2018
Thinking of you during your time of loss. Sending my deepest sympathies. I thinks so much of your family.
Dot King.
Wanda & Bill Zvanut
November 3, 2018
The world is now quieter and less fun. Love and hugs and prayers to Phil's precious family.
John Holmes
November 3, 2018
I just heard of your loss, my God Bless and comfort the family.
Wanda Day
November 3, 2018
Kristen and family, so sorry for the loss of your father, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Ann Davis
November 3, 2018
So sorry for your loss. My husband, Gary Davis, worked for your Dad and they remained friends although they didn't see each other much. I've heard of all of you especially PJ as Gary calls you. Gary was saddened by the news of your Dad's passing, and sends his thoughts and prayers to each of you as do I.
Tammie Beckner
November 3, 2018
Krisden, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. You and your family are in my prayers.
Tammie Beckner
November 3, 2018
I am very sorry to hear of Mr Clapp's passing. He truly did light up the room when he came to the clinic I work . He always had a funny story, and teasing me. We will miss him.
Our thoughts are with his family,
Cathy , nurse Christenberry Clinic
Melissa Tipton Lantrip
November 3, 2018
Krisden, I am so sorry to hear about your Daddy! I remember how nice and funny he was the time I came over to your house during Spirit Week to make posters for our class. Your mama was so sweet to all of us and made us s'mores. It was the first time I had ever had them. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Angie Hensley
November 2, 2018
I love you all. I am so sorry.
Angie Hensley
November 2, 2018
I love you all. I am so sorry.
Larry Pollard
November 2, 2018
Rest in Peace, my friend!
Jeannie Dulaney
November 2, 2018
Krisden - I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. No matter the age, it is always too soon. He certainly sounds like someone I wish I had known and he has left a wonderful legacy to his family and his community. Thinking about you, Jeannie Dulaney
Jeannie Dulaney
November 2, 2018
Krisden - I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father. No matter the age, it is always too soon. He certainly sounds like someone I wish I had known and it sounds like he has left a wonderful legacy to his family and his community. Thinking about you, Jeannie Dulaney
November 2, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tammie Mills Flynn
November 2, 2018
I am so sorry for your family's lose PJ. I don't know if you remember me, but I was 2 years behind you at South-Young and am Missy Isbill Allen's niece.
Jill Barbee Ridenour
November 2, 2018
Lynne,Krisden and PJ, I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad. You all will be in my prayers. I'm sure your Mom was happy to see him. I love you all lots!
Bill & Ruth Ann Berrier
November 2, 2018
May almighty God continue to bless the Clapp
family.
Ellie Lowery
November 2, 2018
To the Family of Phil Clapp:
Phil and Lemoyne were very special friends of mine, since childhood. They will always remain close to my heart. Yes, Phil will always be remembered as the number one prankster.
My heart goes out to each of you. May God bless and comfort you during this time.
Benny Glover
November 2, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jerry Stover
November 2, 2018
PJ, Krisden, Lynne, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you all at this difficult time, for God's comfort and peace .
Charlotte Frye
November 2, 2018
To the Clapp Family, I am so saddened to hear of Phil's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Phil was one in a million and will be missed by all who knew him. Norman and I were on the receiving end of some of your Dad's joke and that will never be forgotten, neither will Phil and Lemoyne! Love you all. Paralee
Thelma (Dixon) Baxter
November 2, 2018
Lynne, Krisden and PJ sorry to hear the passing of your father. You all don't remember me but my father was Leroy Dixon who worked for your grandfather and father at Clapp Tire Company for many years. I remember when all three of you were born and I remember your mother also she was a very sweet lady. Praying for you all doing this time. May God comfort and keep you in his care. Your dad was a wonderful man he will be missed very much.
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