Obituary of Clifford Blessing

Clifford Franklin Blessing was born August 18, 1923 at (Cassard) Kermit, VA, the second child of William D. and Mary Belle Grimm Blessing. He attended Grimm School through the fourth grade and continued his education at the combined elementary and Cleveland High School (Yuma). After graduation at the age of 17, he enrolled at a technical school in Manassas, VA. There he studied electric and oxyacetylene welding. He then continued his training at a technical school in Blacksburg, VA concentrating on oxyacetylene welding and airplane mechanics. After completing studies at Blacksburg, Clifford worked a short time in Baltimore, MD at an aircraft assembly plant. In 1943 he enlisted in the U.S. Army after completing basic training he was assigned to the 470th A.A.A. A.W. BN. Clifford served with this unit in the South Pacific Theater of operations in New Guinea, South Philippines and Luzon. He was involved in the invasion of three islands in the Philippines. His unit was awarded a Certificate of Commendation by the General of the 8th Army, General Robert Eichelberger, for their support of the infantry and paratroopers in operations and battles on Negros Island in the Philippines. Clifford was awarded 5 Bronze Battle Stars for his service with the 470th A.A.A. A.W. BN. He was very proud of his military service but rarely talked of his combat action. In February 1946 he was honorably discharged. September 1946 he took advantage of the GI Bill and enrolled at King College, Bristol, TN where he earned a B.A. degree. Clifford was later awarded; a Master's Degree in Education from Union College, Barbourville, KY. In 1949 he began a teaching career that spanned a period of 37 years at Cleveland High School and Yuma Elementary School. In 1991, desiring to give back service to the county, Clifford volunteered to serve with the Scott County Redevelopment and Housing Authority. He gave several years of service to the county on this board. He was an active member of the Yuma Senior Citizens serving four years as president. During his illness he kept in touch with the senior citizens from his home. Clifford accepted Christ as his savior in late teens. He attended Kermit Mission Church where he taught the Men's Sunday school class for a short time before entering college. Later he joined the First Baptist Church of Weber City. After college he moved his membership to Cowan's Branch Baptist Church where he co-taught the Men's Sunday school class becoming the full time teacher. He currently was attending Cameron United Methodist Church where he also taught a Sunday school class as needed. Special thanks and appreciation to the pastor and members of Cameron United Methodist Church for your prayers, support, encouragement and the goodies provided during his illness; and to those special cousins, Nataleen and Wanda, you are appreciated more than words can express. To our special niece, Wanda Neeley, for all the trips with us to Allendale and the hospital; you are truly a wonderful person. To Margie Winegar, Clifford's student and friend; to helpful neighbors Samuel Newland, Faye Salling, Mary Hashbarger, Donald Overbay and Emily, thank you for your support. To the doctors, nurses, and employees at Wellmont Hematology and Oncology thank you for your great care, compassion, concern and kindness. To the nurses whom Clifford referred to as his "Angels", Alecia, Brandi, Shirley, Robin, Jessica, Lori, Amy, Vera, Elizabeth, Jennene, Courtney, Tanya and William, thank you so much for your wonderful care in making life easier during his treatments. You are truly angels of mercy. To the staff of Caris Hospice and Nova Health Center your care and compassion is greatly appreciated. Clifford was preceded in death by his parents, William D. & Mary Belle Grimm Blessing; sister, Mary Ellen Blessing Elliott. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Wilma Barnette Blessing; special brother Reverend Paul Blessing; nephews, Bill Blessing, Joe Blessing and wife Katherine, Gary Elliott and wife Marsha; nieces, Sue Arnold and husband, Greg, and Wanda Neeley. The family will receive friends from 11 am to 1 pm on Monday at Scott County Funeral Home. A service will be held at 1 pm in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Jerry Hall and Pastor Mike Ladd officiating. Burial will follow at Holston View Cemetery with Military graveside rites presented by the American Legion Post 3/265. Pallbearers will be family and friends. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Leukemia Foundation, GPO Box 9954, Nashville, TN. Carter-Trent/Scott County Funeral Home is serving the Blessing family.