Claude Allen Plummer

Claude Allen Plummer, age 81, of Heiskell, Tennessee passed away peacefully in the early hours on March 3, 2026 surrounded by his family.  

Claude was born in Johnson City (TN). He relocated to Oak Ridge (TN) in 1950, and then to Heiskell (TN) and became a graduate of Norris High School, Class of 1963. He began a career as a machinist when he took over his father’s shop as a senior in high school and went on to work at Union Carbide, Martin-Marietta, Lockheed-Martin and BWXT. He also owned and operated Fairview Machine & Mfg Co. for 7 years. During this span of time, he invented and patented the “Chip Puller” a tool devised to assist in removing hot metal shavings from machines during milling. This tool was known to have been shipped to many areas of the world and is still in use today. He had a genius mind and needed no papers to prove it.

He fought long and hard, losing a battle with throat cancer, always remaining positive and encouraged others during his office visits and hospital stays. He became widely known for his fist bumps and a thumbs-up.

Claude was a man of strong moral integrity. He loved deeply and gave kindness and compassion freely to others. He was active and enjoyed life. For him this meant motorcycling, both locally and across country, engaging with family and friends, practicing his Christian faith, restoring his 1951 Ford Victoria and both working and relaxing on his farm.

He brought much joy and sunshine into the lives of everyone he met. He will be deeply missed by friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ethel (Cox) Plummer; sister, Peggy Plummer; son-in-law, Darryl Stanton and step daughter, Julie Sellers. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Linda (Grant) Plummer; daughter, Dannette (Plummer) Stanton (Fiancé, Mike); Daughter, Cindy (Plummer) Daugherty; son, Jason Plummer (Johnna); stepchildren, Jennifer (Grant) Zaruba (Lee); Michael Grant and Jason Grant. Sixteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Brothers, Johnny Plummer, Roy Plummer (Andrea) and Charles Plummer (Cathy). And many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 pm-7:00 pm Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Mynatt Funeral Home, Halls Chapel, with a Celebration of Life to follow at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Bread of Hope @ https://breadofhope.networkforgood.com/projects/9768-bread-of-hope-donation Online condolences may be sent to www.mynattfh.com.

Mynatt Funeral Home, Halls Chapel is honored to serve the family of Claude Allen Plummer.