Clifford Lee Nelson, age 82, of Maryville, passed away Monday, July 13, 2026, at Fort Loudon Medical Center. Clifford was a master small engine mechanic and owned his own business for many years. After closing his shop, he learned to play piano and guitar, but his biggest hobby was repairing and making cuckoo clocks.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, JoAnne Carpenter Nelson; parents, Ezra and Eula Nelson; brother, Shirley; sisters, Cledia, Gladys and Ruby; and granddaughter, Emily Marie Nelson.

Clifford is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Terry and Wilma, Rick and Sammie, Darrell and Kim; granddaughter, and husband, Stephanie and Britton Knight; grandson and wife, Alex and Megan Nelson; grandson, Evan Nelson; great granddaughters, Baylee and Lucy Knight, Hazel and Finley Nelson.

Funeral service will be held at 7:00 PM Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Miller Funeral Home Magnolia Chapel, Rev. Quinton Caldwell officiating. Interment will be held 2:00 PM Thursday at Nelson Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Wednesday at Miller Funeral Home, Maryville.