Jefferson Noel Clater, age 80, left this life on Monday, November 4, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born to Charles and June Clater on Christmas Day 1943 in Front Royal, Virginia. He was the oldest of five children and spent most of his youth in Warrenton, Virginia.
He was an outstanding high school athlete and continued to play sports at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) until he enlisted in the United States Army in 1964. He married Linda Toler, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life that same year. In their almost 60 years of marriage, they were blessed with three children – Tom, Christy, and Betsy – overseas adventures, multiple relocations, and many, many pets.
Jeff had a distinguished military career, including roles as a medic and ground radar analyst, before discovering his passion for flying. He trained and flew combat missions in the Bell UH-1 Iroquois (Huey) during his deployment to Vietnam. Later in his career, he excelled in piloting the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk and became an instructor pilot. During his 20 years in the U.S. Army, he received several commendations and recognition for meritorious service, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Silver Star. Jeff retired from the military at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 in 1984.
The Clater family settled in Burns, Tennessee, on a small farm where Jeff was finally able to give Linda her dream of having horses in the backyard. Jeff was truly a jack of all trades. He was a talented woodworker and made everything from a carousel horse to bookshelves. He could fix anything, and his children would often lay broken toys on his dresser only to have them reappear as good as new a couple of days later. He and Linda loved being homeowners and worked together to create beautiful spaces both inside and outside of their home.
After he retired from the military, Jeff began a second career as a Junior ROTC instructor at Fairview High School and LaVergne High School. He truly loved being a teacher and brought real-life experience and a great sense of humor to the classroom. “Mr. Clater” built meaningful relationships with his students and made a lasting impact on many. He retired from Rutherford County Schools in 2006.
Jeff and Linda continued to stay busy during their retirement. They enjoyed spending time with their family, gardening, and visiting antique shops. They attended Dickson Methodist Church and participated in Civil War re-enactments.
Jeff is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Kay Toler Clater.
He leaves behind his three children and their spouses, Thomas Judd Clater (Rhonda), Christine Marie Roszak (Brian), and Elisabeth Noel Kolznak (Tony), seven grandchildren – Karrie Clater, Rachel Clater, Sarah Noble (Christian), Catherine Davenport (Michael), Carly Roszak, Luke Kolznak (Kylie), and Ryan Kolznak (Kelsey), and two great-grandchildren, Madi Clater, and Daniel Noble. He will be greatly missed.
A funeral service with full military honors will take place on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Taylor Funeral Home with Rev. Ed White officiating. Visitation with the family will be on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Interment will be in the Middle TN State Veterans Cemetery. http://taylorsince1909.com
For more obituaries visit https://dicksoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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