Clifford Bailey

Clifford “Tippy Toe” Henry Bailey, age 68, closed his eyes in this world and opened them in heaven on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Clifford was a devoted and loving father/grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He is a lifelong resident of McMinn County, and if he met a stranger, they would be friends once the conversation was over. He was always cutting up with everyone and could bring a smile to even the saddest of faces. He was an active member of the Valor Guild. A lifetime trucker, his handle was “TNT”, and was employed by Iron Craft Trucking Company, Athens, TN. He had a profound love for cars and could fix anything on wheels, was an avid motorcyclist, and the best family mechanic around. He was a lover of the 2nd Amendment and was battle ready if any reckoning came. Clifford had a heart of gold and was there any time he was needed. He holds a special place in the hearts of all who knew him; although he may be gone, he will never be forgotten as we will always remember “Tippy Toe”!

He was preceded in death by his parents James McDermott Sr., and Willie Frances Bailey, and daughter Demetria Bailey.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory, one son, Clifton Sharp;two daughters, Tara (Justin) Harris, and Monica Hall. Grandchildren: Ramiyah Thompson, Da’Ziyah Porter, Jay’OnahSharp, Francis Sharp, Damarion Sharp, Jahaaddius Bailey, Janasja McDermott, Jaciya McDermott, Denetres Love, Royal Love, Lynnix Love, My’heir Weaver. Aunts: Ruth Malone, Alice Oliver, and Carol ‘Wincie’ McDaniel all of Athens, TN. Uncles: Kenneth ‘Bub’(Charlesetta) McDermott, and Webster ‘Buck’ McDermott all of Athens, TN.  Sisters: Gwendolyn Bennett of Grand Rapids MI, Imogene King, and Charlesetta (Kenneth) McDermott, Effie King, and Michelle Wade of Athens, TN, and Brothers: John (Helen) Bailey, Rick King, and Bryant McDermott of Athens, TN, Terry (Faye) Long of Harvest, AL, William Bailey of Clarksville, TN, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Special Friends: Cathy Dodd, Grenay Hammonds, Cathy Macon, Hawk Shields, Calvin Cooper, “Tag-A-Long”, Donnie, Don Ferguson, Steve Wilkerson, Farrell Jarvis, Mike and Bailey Turner, “Wild Child”, “Half Bumper”, “Ugly”, Eddie Arnwine, William Billups, Phillip “French Fry” Simon, Ronnie Edward, Ronnie Herring, and the Titan/Iron Craft family.

Home Going services will be held Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of  M.D. Dotson and Sons Funeral Home- Athens, TN. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow the service at Hammonds Cemetery in Athens, TN.