David Terrell Clift Sr.

David Terrell Clift, 86, of Knoxville, TN went to be with the Lord on May 16th, 2025, joining his loving parents Edward (EB) and Ceora Clift and brother Ray Clift who preceded him in death.

For Terrell, nothing was more important than family. His greatest accomplishment was being a father to his 3 children and papaw to his 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He never missed a game, graduation, concert, birthday party or award ceremony for all of the grandkids. He was always their biggest fan. Remaining to cherish Terrell’s memory are his loving wife of 64 years, Sandy; children, Amy and Roger Davis, David and Barbara Clift, Scott and Trude Clift; grandchildren, Clayton and Anna Davis, Hannah and Drew Clements, Cody and Stephanie Clift, Rebecca and Charlie Rizzo, Ryan Clift, Courtney and Caleb Key; and great-grandchildren, Sonny and Leon Davis.

Terrell was born on April 19th,1939, in Knoxville, TN and had many fond memories of his childhood in Happy Holler.

Terrell graduated from Fulton High School in 1957. While at Fulton he was captain of the football team, Tennessee State Champion in the long jump and met the love of his life, Sandy. He then went on to the University of Tennessee and enrolled in ROTC. Upon graduation, he earned a degree in mechanical engineering and was commissioned in the Air Force in 1962.

Terrell was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in the Rocket Propulsion Laboratory as a 2nd Lieutenant where he worked with the Space Technology Laboratory to fabricate octahedral research satellites. With support from NASA, he was a part of two successful satellite launches into Earth’s orbit. He transferred to Malmstrom Air Force Base in 1966 as a Captain of the missile combat crew. He served until honorably discharged in 1967.

Terrell rejoined the Air Force Rocket Propulsion Lab as a civilian at Edwards Air Force Base as an Aerospace Engineer. Upon his return to Knoxville in 1970, he worked at TVA as a mechanical engineer, manager of safety analysis, and lead nuclear design engineer. He retired from TVA in 1989 and spent time doing contract work for PDC, EGS, and SAIC. In 2016, he was inducted into the Fulton High School Wall of Fame.

Terrell especially loved to tinker and had an affinity for gadgets, tools, electronics, and computers. He enjoyed traveling all over the world and spending time with his fellow Fulton alumni and church friends.

He was a devout Christian and longtime member of Arlington Baptist Church where he served as treasurer, Sunday school teacher, and deacon.

He was dearly loved and will be missed by many.

Visitation will be held May 22nd, 2025, from 5-7pm at Mynatt Funeral Home in Halls with Memorial service to follow. Graveside will be at 11am on May 23rd, 2025, at Lynnhurst cemetery.