Fred Horsley Clarkson, Jr.

Fred Horsely Clarkson, Jr., born October 20, 1942, passed away on April 10, 2026 at the age of 83 at home surrounded by his loving family and devoted wife.

The son of the late Fred Horsely Clarkson, Sr. and Shirley Spencer Clarkson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Peggy Kidd, and his best friend, L.P. Spencer.

A native of Arrington, Fred attended Nelson County High School, where he developed a lifelong love of sports, playing football, basketball, and baseball. After graduating in 1960, he joined the United States Air Force. Following his military service, Fred returned home to marry his sweetheart, Ann. He later began his career with Appalachian Electric Power as a lineman. After “retiring” in 1995, he went to work for Oak Ridge Estate where he could combine his strong work ethic and his passion for the outdoors and hunting, spending hours doing what he loved as Game Manager. After “retiring” a second time, Fred went to work alongside Wayne Wright cutting hay and cattle farming.

Fred loved three things above all: his family, hunting, and sports—just not always in that order, though almost always together. Fred spent years traveling to softball tournaments and later coaching sports and then watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren play. Fred also loved hunting at Oak Ridge and loved always bringing family with him, creating numerous memories along the way.

Fred is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Ann Small Clarkson; his sister, Shelby McGuire, his children, Cheryl Milcarek (Kevin) and Scott Clarkson (Dawn); seven grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

He will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his love of the outdoors, and his unwavering devotion to those he loved as a husband, father, and grandfather, or as we called him, Papa.

Service will be held at Bethlehem Methodist Church in Roseland on Sunday April 19th at 2pm. Immediately following the service the family will receive friends at the Carriage House at Oak Ridge for a celebration of life and to share a meal.

Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).