Allen Ray Clift

Dr. Allen Ray Clift, age 80, of Knoxville, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, September 17 surrounded by family. Ray fought a courageous health-related battle for 7-years and remained strong and determined until the end. He was lovingly cared for at home with the guidance and support of UT Hospice. Ray was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church Knoxville where he taught Sunday school and served on church missions. He graduated from Fulton High School in 1958 and earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Tennessee. He served 5-years in the Tennessee and Georgia Air National Guard as an Airman Second Class, ending his military service in The United States Air Force Reserve while starting his career in education. After completing many years as an educator, Ray accepted a position at Rohm & Haas Chemical of Knoxville. He initially started in Personnel and slowly advanced until he retired as North American Training Director. After 32-years of service, Ray proudly retired from Rohm & Haas with perfect attendance in 2000. From 2000-2006, he became a Global Business Management Consultant and eventually completed his Doctoral studies seven years after retirement. During his career, Ray served underprivileged youth in the heart of Knoxville as a volunteer and one of the Founding Board Members of Emerald Youth Foundation. He had a servant’s heart to help make the future brighter for youth in need. Ray was preceded in death by his parents Edward Burchell Clift and Ceora (Pat) Clift and great-grandchildren Lillian Kate and Cecilia Hope Luttrell. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57-years Carol Ann Clift (Bishop), his daughter Suzanne, his grandchildren Leslie Luttrell (John), Julie Barwick (Tony), Kellie Gray (Brandon), great-grandchildren Britten, Joshua, Bear, and Oakley, a loving brother Terrell Clift (Sandy), many extended family and special friends Bryan and Debbie Barwick. Due to Covid, the family will have a private burial with receiving of friends on Friday, September 24, 2021, from 1:30-3:30 pm at the First United Methodist Parrish House (located behind the church at 3316 Kingston Pike). In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to Emerald Youth Foundation in Ray’s memory at (www.emeraldyouth.org). Online condolences may be expressed at Mynatt’s Funeral Home Fountain City www.mynattfh.com