Perry Clingingsmith, 66, of Oak Ridge, unexpectedly passed away Monday, February 20, 2023, at his home.
He was born April 24, 1956, in Cape Girardeau, to Adrian and Mary Dell Lang Clingingsmith. He and Carlene Dick were married May 24, 1979, in Nashville, Tennessee. To their union, Carlene brought her daughter, Rachael, and together they had two more daughters, Ashley, and Deidra.
Perry was a 1974 graduate of Oak Ridge High School. His first job was hauling hay for his uncle, the late William Lang. His employment included Spartec, Dana, and Golden Cat. With over 15 years of service, he retired from Unilever as an ammonia specialist.
Perry was a devoted husband, dad, and pawpaw, and his family thoroughly enjoyed him. He loved to fish and was a master of many trades. He had the patience of Job and liked to invent and fabricate anything and everything, especially if it was for his daughters or grandchildren.
He was a member of Zion Methodist Church in Old Appleton, fulfilling multiple obligations and serving as a lay speaker.
To cherish his memory, Perry leaves his wife of nearly 44 years, Carlene Clingingsmith of Oak Ridge; two daughters, Rachael (Don) Larsen of West Plains, Missouri and Deidra (Zachary) Ruesler of Oak Ridge; former son-in-law, Drew Howard of Jackson; a brother, Alan (Glenna) Clingingsmith of Hays, Kansas; and grandchildren, Brock Larsen of West Point, New York; Carlaena Hornbuckle and Autumn Howard of Jackson; Chase Larsen of West Plains; Landon and Addilyn Burnett, and Adrian Ruesler of Oak Ridge.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ashley Clingingsmith, and his parents.
Visitation is from 4-8 p.m., Thursday, February 23, 2023, and from 10 a.m. to service time, Friday, February 24, 2023, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.
The Rev. Brian Anderson will conduct the funeral service at 11 a.m., Friday, February 24, 2023, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Zion Methodist Cemetery in Old Appleton.
Memorial contributions to Zion Methodist Cemetery or McCombs Funeral Home are appreciated. Memorials to the funeral home may be given online by clicking on the “donations” tab above Perry’s obituary article at mccombsfuneralhome.com. Online condolences may be sent by clicking on the “tribute wall” tab.
