Van Cleave, Henry Harold "Bill" - Born to William J. and Trumia Williams Van Cleave on August 2, 1923 in Martin, Tennessee and passed away on July 3, 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee. After graduating from Martin High School he enlisted in the Army-Air Force to serve in WW II. He was a member of the 491st Bomb Group in the 8th Air Force where he was a tail gunner on a B-24 that flew 36 missions over the European Theater including two on D-Day. Staff Sergeant Van Cleave was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters. On May 14, 1945 he married Bertie Randle in Alamo, TN to whom he was married 47 years before she preceded him in death in 1992. He was a salesman for Lansing Button Co. which moved the family to Ruston, LA for several years before returning to live in Alamo, TN. He is survived by their children Brenda V. (Gerald) Sanford and Victor H. (Vickie) Van Cleave as well as their grandchildren Benjamin V. Sanford, William R. Sanford, Summer (Jonathan) Horton, Megan (Quaid) Ledingham and great grandchildren Owen and Macy Horton. In 1994 Bill met and married Elaine Denny in Nashville, TN with whom he shared 20 years. Also surviving are step children Bradley Denny, Robert Denny and Barbara (Walter) Rumble as well as step grandchildren Lee and Taylor Rumble and Olivia and Alex Denny. Bill was a faithful member of the church of Christ in Alamo, TN where he served as an elder and taught Bible classes for many years. He enjoyed collecting and trading coins and had a great appreciation for poetry. He loved grilling for his family and giving his grand kids "walking around money". He was mindful of those less fortunate and generous in helping. The sum of this life was that he was a good and loving Christian man that provided a lasting positive example for all who knew him. His quick smile and wit will be missed, but remembered. Pallbearers will be: Ben Sanford, Will Sanford, Daniel Jacobs, Jonathan Horton, Quaid Ledingham, Lee Rumble. Funeral services for Mr. Van Cleave will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, July 7, 2013 at Alamo Church of Christ. Visitation for Mr. Van Cleave will be held Saturday, July 6, 2013 6-8 pm at Ronk Funeral Home. Ronk Funeral Home 731-696-5555
Posted on: Fri, 05 Jul 2013 15:43:18 +0000
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