Alton Caldwell (4-18-14) service 4-21-14

Alton Dudley “A.D.” Caldwell Jr., age 78, formerly of Savannah, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, April 18, while at his home in Clarksville.

A celebration of life was held Monday, April 21, at 7 p.m. in the chapel of McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home in Clarksville, with James Shepherd and Felts Dent officiating. The Caldwell family received friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the funeral home.

A.D. entered into this life Aug. 3, 1935, in Charlotte to parents Alton Dudley Caldwell Sr. and Ruth Phillips Caldwell. A.D. grew up in Clarksville and went on to graduate with Clarksville High School’s Class of 1953 and then pursue his Bachelor of Arts and master’s degree from Austin Peay State University. During this time, he courted the love of his life, JoAnne Crockarell, and they were joined in marriage Aug. 13, 1959, in Dover. Following his studies, A.D. moved to pursue a professional career, which included 15 years as a high school teacher and principal, Savannah city manager for 11 years, Shelbyville city manager for four years, and executive vice president of Tennessee Municipal League Risk Management Pool. As a young man, A.D. was honored as Tennessee’s Most Outstanding Young Educator for the year 1968 and was listed as one of the Most Outstanding Young Men in America, 1970. He loved his Lord and his church family at First Baptist Church of Clarksville.

Surviving are his wife, JoAnne Caldwell of Clarksville, and his sons, Shane and Corey Caldwell, both of Franklin.

Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Dawson Durrett, Joe Pitts, Wayne Long, Tommy Gilbert, Sonny Woodard, Jimmy Weatherington, Bobby Long, Randy Williams, Bob Murray, Dan Hanley, Jack Miller, Gary Hensley, John H. Peay, CHS Class of 1953, and First Baptist Church’s Sunday School Class of Rhett and Janet Clements.

Memorial contributions are preferred to First Baptist Church, 435 Madison St., Clarksville, Tenn., 37040. Arrangements were in the care of McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home, (931) 647-3371. NaveFuneralHomes.com.