Clifford Carden

Clifford Clyde Carden Jr, of Cleveland, Tennessee passed away on January 11th, surrounded by family and love.

Clifford was a graduate of Bradley High School, class of '61. He worked summers on his parents' farm to pay for college. Clifford graduated from Tennessee Technical University, with a Bachelor's of Engineering, in 1967.

His working career included being a salesman at Brown's Stove Works, and Operations Manager at Lawson Music Company.

Clifford eventually went into business for himself, owning several restaurants, including the Coffee Cup Restaurant in downtown Cleveland. Through these ventures he made many friends and touched so many lives. He helped countless people who came through his doors, never asking for anything in return.

Clifford was lifelong Democrat who only became more liberal over the years. He was a man who had friends from all walks of life. He always rooted for the underdog, always. He believed in giving people second chances, and treating people equally.

When he wasn't at work his favorite place to be was his family cabin on Parksville Lake, or on a beach vacation with his family.

He will be remembered and loved.

Clifford was preceded in death by his father, Clifford C. Carden Sr, his mother, Nina Marie Carden, and his sisters; Ella Sue Gaines, Wilma Jean Hamilton and Joe Hamilton.

He is survived by his wife: Gail Lawson Carden; his children: Ginger Lea Carden and husband Jarrod Whaley, Zachary Carden and wife Crystal Carden, and Sasha Marie Carden; his three grandchildren: Lawson Carden, Chloe Carden, and Lena Brown; his sisters: Carolyn Carden and Mrs. Paul "Charlotte" Askew; nephews Jeff Hamilton, Keith and Tim Askew and Jerry Gibson; nieces Jan Powell, Jennifer Blankenship, Nicole Gaines and Wendee Gibson.

Celebration of Life service will be held at Companion Funeral Home in Cleveland TN, on Wednesday January 17th from 5-7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gail Carden for the Diabetes Foundation.

You are encouraged to share a memory of Clifford and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist his family with these arrangements.