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Johnny Range Clawson Sr., 81, of Bristol, Va., passed away on January 20, 2021 at Bristol Regional Medical Center in Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Peggy Sue, and son, Michael Eugene Clawson; parents, Charles R. and Bessie Elma Campbell-Clawson Sr.; and siblings, Charlotte Clawson-Hodges, Brenda Clawson-Amburn and Jimmy W. Clawson.
He is survived by his partner in life, Eunice Andrews; brothers, Douglas Clawson and Geri, Bill Clawson and Judy, and Charles Ray Clawson Jr.; son, Johnny R. Clawson Jr. and Dalene Felder of Channelview, Texas; daughter, Kimberly Clawson-Butts and Craig of Onalaska, Texas; grandchildren, Johnny R. Clawson III (Trey) and Jennifer, Sam A. Morgan Jr. (Bo) and Ashley, Kristen E. Butts and Mel Butts; and great-grandchildren, Starleigh, Skyden and Axel Morgan and Jolene L. Clawson.
He was a larger than life man who had friends every place he went. If you didn’t know him, he would make sure you soon did. He loved to be outdoors his entire life and he was always hunting, fishing or bird-watching. He was a country boy from Tennessee who also loved Texas. He believed that everything was useful even if others had thrown it away…He would pick up discarded items and bring them home. He would say “oh, it’s just a little switch that was blown” or “all that was wrong with it was a broken belt…it’s brand new!” He had a hard time throwing anything away because to him everything could be useful in the future. “Never know when you might need it,” he would say. He was raised by his mom, Bessie Elma, and his grandparents, Frank “Buckeye” Campbell and American Holly. They all lived together in Butler, Tenn., while his dad, Charles, served in the Army. When the TVA dam was built and Butler was flooded, they relocated to Elizabethton. He knew that life was hard and there was nothing you could do about certain things.
Daddy was full of life stories. He would tell his stories with lively words and animated expressions. His large, strong hands were waving like a band director while he talked. Daddy would usually express his opinion at the end of his story and what lesson he had learned. He wanted to share his experiences especially if it helped somebody else who would listen.
A person can create a visual picture with words. Some people use a pencil and it’s black and white. Daddy used all the watercolors in the world. Daddy was a jack of all trades and had many different jobs throughout his entire life. He was a roamer who loved being around people and listening to country music. He also loved trying out any type of instrument just to see if he could master it. He enjoyed playing his guitars, banjos, harmonica and fiddle.
Daddy tried to be the best son, brother, husband, parent and friend that he could be. He knew everybody had faults including him. Daddy helped so many people in their daily lives with no one knowing about it. Daddy had a hard shell with an incredibly tender heart.
He believed, as we all should, that God is in control of everything. Have faith in Him and always keep trying to move forward.
Graveside services were held at Batley Cemetery in Oak Ridge, Tenn., on January 22, 2021.