Clarence Moats

CLEVELAND Clarence Moats, 81, a native of the Polk County area passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013, at his home in southeast Cleveland.Clarence was born in Benton, Tenn. on Feb. 28, 1932 a son of the late General and Emily Moats.He was of the Baptist faith and a member of Clingan Ridge Baptist Church. Clarence retired from Greyhound with 33 years of service and then went on to drive buses for the Cleveland City School System. Clarence also owned and operated a furniture manufacturing business Moats & Sons Mfg. He wrote many great gospel songs and sang all over the country in several gospel singing groups.In addition to his parents Clarence is preceded in death by his wife, Ruthie Moats; one sister, Audrey Peters; three brothers, Clyde Moats, G. W. Moats and Kenneth Moats.He leaves behind to cherish his memory one daughter, Cindy Ellis; three sons, Randall Moats (Cindy), Joseph Moats (Sonya) and Charles Moats; 11 grandchildren, Amy Lawson (Kevin), Bridgette Gumm, Carrie Moats, Corey Moats (Sissy), Adam Ellis (Christina), Lena Moats, Katie Moats, Karissa Moats, Patrick Moats, Colton Reeder and April Reeder. He is also survived by 17 great-grandchildren, numerous other extended family members and a host of special friends.A celebration of his life is planned for 7 p.m. today, Sept. 27, 2013 at Clingan Ridge Baptist Church located at 2412 Georgetown Road in Cleveland, with the Rev. Gary Moats officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 5 p.m. today until the 7 p.m. service time.The interment will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning, Sept. 28, 2013, in Chestuee Baptist Church Cemetery located at 1414 Athens Road in Calhoun, TN 37309 with the family serving as pallbearers.You are encouraged to share a memory of Clarence and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial web page and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com.Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist the Moats family with these arrangements.