Thomas Ray “Tom” Cleaver, 77 of Paris, Tenn., died Monday March 28, 2022, at his residence.
He was a retired Staff Sergeant from the U.S. Army, serving 2 years in Vietnam and 1 year in Korea, in the Helicopter Unit. Tom was a member of Temple Baptist Church in Paris. He loved fishing with his uncle, Roger Grooms, who was like a brother to him.
Tom was born September 8, 1944, in Paris, Tenn.
He was married September 13, 1969, to his wife of 52 years, Betty Jane Lowe Cleaver, who survives, of Paris.
Along with his wife Betty Cleaver, he is survived by one daughter, Paula Ragsdale, of Bruceton, Tenn.; one sister, Patsy Wood, of Puryear, Tenn.; three brothers: James Cleaver, of Washington state, Joseph Cleaver, of Paris, and John Cleaver, of Paris; one sister-in-law, Sandra Lowe (Frelon) Newsom; nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces.
Tom was preceded in death by his grandparents who raised him, Lura and Sonny Grooms; one son, Tracy Tyrone Cleaver; two sisters, Linda and Martha; one brother, David Cleaver; and one Uncle cx who was like a brother, Roger Grooms.
Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, Tenn., 38242. His visitation will be Friday, April 1, 2022, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Ridgeway Funeral Home. The funeral service with Masonic Rites will be Friday, April 1, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Ridgeway Funeral Home, with Erik Keller officiating.
Burial with Military Honors will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Paris.