Carl David Klimek

Carl David Klimek, age 77, passed away peacefully on May 21, after courageously navigating several years of declining health. Born into a military family, Carl's early years were shaped by frequent moves. He called North Carolina, Virginia, California, Japan, Hawaii, Memphis and finally Greenback, Tennessee home-each new chapter deepening his sense of adventure and resilience. He was preceded in death by his beloved partner, Sheila Marie Sanderson, and his parents, Major Walter John and Martha Bertha Klimek.

A mischievous spirit from the start, Carl's playful character showed up often in his school report cards, with teachers noting his excellent work but his fondness for visiting with classmates. In high school he earned the nickname "Fish," a title that stuck with him for life-whether from his distinctive hurdling style that looked like swimming over obstacles, or from his wish for a nickname similar to his older brother, called "Minnow."

After graduating from Frayser High School in Memphis, Carl attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, earning a degree in architecture. He began his career at a prominent Memphis firm and later partnered with a fellow architect to launch their own practice. Seeking new horizons, Carl moved to East Tennessee, where he and his friend Henry purchased land on what would become Tellico Lake. Together they undertook the ambitious project of designing and building an ocean-going catamaran, hoping to navigate from Tellico through the Tennessee River to the Mississippi, then onward to the Caribbean. Though the vessel was never completed, the dream itself remains a testament to Carl's adventurous spirit. During this same chapter, he and Henry also discovered a love of flying, exploring the skies above the lake in twin ultralight aircraft.

Fate soon brought Sheila into Carl's life, and together they founded Heartwood Homes, a custom homebuilding company. From their first two spec houses, the business grew steadily, with Carl at the helm as both architect and builder. They built their own home and dock on Tellico Lake and went on to create nearly 40 extraordinary custom homes in the area-structures of light and space that reflected Carl's immense creativity and vision. His designs leave a lasting mark on the Tellico Lake community.

Carl's artistic gifts extended far beyond architecture. He was a talented guitarist with a love of Americana music, a skilled pen-and-ink artist, and a woodworker who carved intricate sculptures and built fine furniture. His creativity lived on in the homes he designed, filled with warmth and personal touches.

As generous hosts, Carl and Sheila welcomed friends and family with unforgettable gatherings-often featuring firework shows over the lake or Carl's famous slow-cooked ribs, prepared in a commercial laundry steamer press he had cleverly converted into a smoker. After retirement, he transformed his office into a bar with a moonshiner shack style, built with reclaimed wood and live-edge cuts from his shop. The glow of a 12ft metal palm tree on his deck became a signal to friends: if the light was on, you were welcome to come up for a sip of shine or a shot of bourbon.

Carl is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Alan Walter and Suzanne Hoover Klimek; his son and daughter-in-law, Aaron Carl and Sarah Blackburn Klimek; and Sheila's nephew and niece, Martin Samuel and Lisa M. Belk.

Carl's remains were spread at the headwaters of Tellico Lake in a private ceremony on the summer solstice. He always dreamed of sailing to the Caribbean, and so we believe the spirit of "Fish" will find its way there...carried by the currents, the warmth of the sun, and the memories of those who loved him, leaving a part of himself in every heart along the way.

A celebration of Carl's life will be held on October 19 in Memphis, TN. Friends and family are invited to join in honoring his memory. For details, please contact Aaron Klimek at acklimek@yahoo.com.