Clifford James Coots

Clifford James Coots, beloved husband, Dad, Grandpa and brother, passed from this life September 4, 2020 at his home. He was born in Cash to Melvin and Edna Coots. He was a graduate of Cash School.

Clifford was drafted into the Army in 1962. He spent a season of his service in Germany. During that time, he was a guard over war prisoner, Rudolph Hess at Berlin’s Spandau Prison. Hess was a leading member of the Nazi Party in Nazi Germany and a loyalist of Adolf Hitler.

After coming home, he found and married his sweetheart, Mary Irene Eldridge, in 1965. They were blessed with a marriage of 55 years. Clifford was a wonderful father to their twin boys, Along the years, he became a loving and doting “Papaw” to 3 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.

Anyone who came to know Clifford through his grandkids, soon grew to call him Papaw as well, and he loved that.

Clifford loved family time. He loved playing card games like Rook, Hand/Foot, and games intended to bring laughter like Pass the Pigs. Anytime he was able, he was an avid baker. His family favorites include brownies, pecan pie and chocolate chip cookies. Grandkids and great-grandkids would remember Papaw “whiskering” them by rubbing his bearded cheek to theirs and giggling with them as if those whiskers tickled him the same way. Old style country music usually always played in the background. He never put himself first.

Clifford retired from General Electric.

Clifford was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Lonnie.

He is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Irene of the home; son, Ronnie (Lisa) Coots of Jonesboro; 3 grandkids, Nathan Coots, Ariel Coots and Mayzee Coots all of Jonesboro; great-granddaughter, Ayla Coots; sister, Paula (Troy) Hafford and brother, Warren (Tina) Coots all of Jonesboro.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Cameron Sailor, Daniel Lester, Caleb Keating, Carlos Sharlow and Brad Waltman and Jonathan Martin.