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- [S16] Obituary.
July 29, 1941 - August 10, 2014
MSG Claude E. Lemons (US Army – Retired), of Soddy-Daisy, defined both in his lifetime waging many wars – both on the battlefield and off – but finally succumbing to his last valiantly-fought, four-year battle on Sunday, August 10, 2014. Webster defines a hero as “a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities
A highly-decorated veteran of war, Claude was born in 1941. He enlisted in the Army at the age of 15 by slightly “misrepresenting” his age, which was common at the time. Claude went on to serve three tours in Vietnam from 1966-1971. He received the Bronze Star Medal with the “V” (Valor) device, the US Military’s fourth-highest individual military award given for acts of heroism in a combat zone.
In addition to the Bronze Star with “V” device, Claude received the Bronze Star Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), Army Commendation Medal (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster), Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver Star/1 Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, four Overseas Bars, two Purple Hearts, Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal (with “V” Device), Army of Occupation Medal, United States Army Recruiter Badge, and the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device before his retirement in 1979 after 22 years of service to his country. Claude was a member of New Life Baptist Church of Soddy-Daisy.
In addition to his parents and grandparents, Claude was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Sue Lemons, and his son-in-law, Stanley Clift.
He leaves behind his wife, Josephine Clift Lemons, of Soddy-Daisy; daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Pastor Richard Walker of Hiram, GA, and Sheila and Gabriel Sanchez of Johnson City, TN; daughter-in-law and loving care-giver, Vonnie Clift of Soddy-Daisy; brother, Earl Lemons and 7 grandchildren. A special thank you to Kerry Brown, Katy Floyd and Avalon Hospice.
Services will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jeff Cox and Rev. Larry Gravett officiating. Burial will follow at Lafayette Memory Gardens with military honors. Matt Bettis, David Everett, Jack Kennedy, Gabriel Sanchez, Jackie Tucker and Richard Walker will serve as pallbearers. Visitation is Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Condolences and memories can be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.
Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379.
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1941 - 2014 (73 years)
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