Clarence Andrews

Sr.Clarence Kendrick Andrews Jr., 82, took flight to unite with our heavenly father on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012. He was born on Oct. 5, 1930 in Birmingham, Ala., and is preceded in death by his parents, Catherine and Clarence K. Andrews.Clarence is survived by Martha Gresham and their three children, Dr. James Andrews (Grayson), Catherine Failla (Arthur Failla, Chase, Jordan and Alicia) and Martha Jeshurun (Bruce McClure, Joshua and Weston).Further, Clarence is preceded by Norma Andrews and survived by her three sons, William Smith (Lisa Smith and Bailey), Curtis Smith (Angel) and Theodore Smith.Clarence graduated from Colombia Military Academy. He attended classes at Emory and graduated from Auburn with a degree in Mechanical Engineering BSME/PE. Further, Clarence graduated from Chrysler Institute of Engineering as MSME.Andrews was inducted into the US Air Force and he developed his love for flying as a crewman on a B36 during the Korean conflict. After the war, Clarence furthered his education and gained valuable engineering experience with Chrysler as a mechanical engineer. Next he worked for the US Government in a variety of sites and constructed missile silos in the cause for national defense. Following this experience, Clarence assumed a development Engineering role with Brown Engineering in Huntsville, Ala., where they developed the primary stage for the Saturn rocket platform that was used in the first manned flight to the moon. Finally, Clarence seized an opportunity with Tennessee Valley Authority where he worked as an ME until his retirement.Clarence was extremely involved with the community and he volunteered as an active member of the STARS (Special Tactics and Rescue Services) Search and Rescue Squad. He trained his dog, Abby, as a recovery hound and participated in numerous search and rescue functions. Also, he was engaged with the Boy Scouts of America as a Scout Master with troop 116 at Signal Mountain United Methodist Church.He was a dedicated Husband, Father, Grandfather, neighbor and friend. He loved his family and enjoyed sharing is knowledge and passion for excitement with all. He was an avid motorcyclist, snow skier and was a proficient sailor. Further, he was an expert in K-9 obedience training and loved to spend time with his dogs. He was a great man and led a full life!Clarence Andrews was an accomplished pilot and aircraft builder. He was active in the Experimental Aircraft Association and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and was a member of the. He especially enjoyed flying to the air show in Oshkosh, Wisc., in his Cassutt, one of the two planes that he has built and he has logged countless hours of flying enjoyment.Clarence is an active member of the Wayside Presbyterian Church and his memorial service will be held there on Sunday, Dec. 9, beginning at 2 p.m. A reception will be held in the church social hall immediately following the service. The family would like to extend heart felt thanks to the Collegedale Police Department, the Tri-Community Voluntary Fire Department, STARS, Civil Air Patrol, the FAA, the Collegedale Airport Authority and the news media, for the respect and dignity that all have shown to Clarence and our family in these most difficult times. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Hamilton County Special Tactics & Rescue Service (STARS), 8614 Ramsey Acres Road, Harrison, TN 37341.Arrangements by Lane Funeral Home, Ashland Terrace 423-877-3524. Visit www.lanefh.com to share condolences.