Joe Clift

Joe Clift, 84, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Thursday, May 1. Joe was born on October 12, 1940 in Knoxviille TN to Bill and Margaret Clift. Joe graduated from Fulton High School and attended the University of Tennessee before joining the Army. He had a long career with TVA. Joe and Gail Williamson were married in 1974 and celebrated 50 years of happy marriage in September of 2024. They welcomed their daughter Emily in 1978. Joe loved cars and racing, motorcyles, and all things nature. He was known for his photography, primarily of wildflowers and birds. He won a blue ribbon for his photography in the Dogwood Arts Photo Contest. Joe and Gail spent many hours walking in the woods, birdwatching, traveling and having cherished time with their grandchildren. Joe was known for his ability to fix or build anything including a fort for his grandson Nash and a dollhouse for granddaughter Sarah Cate. He was known for his kind and generous nature. Joe was preceded in death by his father, Bill, and his mother, Margaret. He is survived by his wife Gail, daughter Emily (Dorion) and husband Lucas, grandchildren Nash and Sarah Cate Dorion and sister Rose Clift. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 10th, 2025 at Fountain City United Methodist Church at 512 Hotel Avenue at 12 Noon. Visitation will be held with family at the church from 10:30 am to 12 Noon. A private graveside service will be held and Greenwood Cemetery immediately following the service. Donations in Joe's memory can be made to Fountain City United Methodist Church Warming Center or Youth Program, or Zoo Knoxville. Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Clift family and invites you to view and sign the online registry.