Clifton Edward Abel

ABEL, Clifton Edward, entered into heaven on December 16, 2009. Born October 27, 1935 in Dayton, Tennessee, the son of James and Gladys Abel. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister Helen Laher. Cliff is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Tonya and Scott Olson of Littleton, CO; son and daughter-in-law, Chad and Ashley Abel of Franklin, TN; grandchildren, Cheyenne Abel, Cody, Sasha and Sierra Olson; brothers, Felix and Elbert Abel, both of Dayton, Tennessee. A graduate of Tennessee Tech with a degree in accounting, Cliff later served his country in the Army as a 1st Lt. of the 2nd Battle Group 38th U.S. Infantry. His professional career spanned 36 years and he retired as the Legislative Administrator for the Tennessee State Legislature. An avid sportsman, Cliff also enjoyed recording statistics for the Vanderbilt Athletic Department and the Tennessee Titans. Cliff never met a stranger and most often you were greeted with a smile and a joke. Cliff loved music, photography and travel, and would photograph sites in the 39 countries he visited, whether it be for volunteer missions work or traveling for pleasure. He shared his love of travel with two of his grandchildren by taking them on a trip to Europe in 2006. His most recent trip fulfilled a life- long dream by traveling to the Holy Land this year. Cliff has been a member of First Baptist Church Nashville since 1961 where Dr. Frank Lewis and Dr. Rus Roach will conduct funeral services on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 12 Noon. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until time of the service at the church. Honorary pallbearers are The Friends Class of First Baptist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Nashville Rescue Mission, 639 Lafayette Street, Nashville, TN 37203.
Graveside services with military honors will be held Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 12 Noon in the Abel Cemetery in Dayton with Rev. J. Milton Knox officiating. Please share your memories of Mr. Abel on his on-line guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com .
The family is being served locally by the Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton.