Clarence Grimes Nix

Clarence Grimes Nix, born July 15, 1934, Giles County, TN, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, after a long battle with heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. He was the son of Ona Smith Nix and Clarence C. Nix, Lawrenceburg, TN. He was a graduate of the class of 1953, Lawrence County High School. He received an Associate Degree in accounting, Lawrence Institute of Technology, Detroit, MI, 1959-1962. He attended Walsh Institute of Accounting, 1962-1964, with a major in Business Administration.

He worked as Senior Financial Analyst, Maremont Corporation, Pulaski, TN, 1974-1988. He was Chief Accountant, Continental Life Insurance Company, Brentwood, TN, from 1988-1998. He elected to take early retirement at age 64.

He married Marjorie L. Rinks, the love of his life, on May 5, 1955. He was a devoted father to their children: Jeffrey A. Nix, M.D., General Surgeon; Debbie Nix Lively, PharmD, and spouse Joe Lively. He was also a cherished grandfather to 8 grandchildren: Emma Nix, Eli Nix, Claire Lively, twins: Luke and Aaron Lively, Kate Lively, Lydia Lively, and Matthew Lively.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ona Smith Nix and Clarence C. Nix; as well as three brothers, Odell, Frank, John Nix; three sisters, Ava Dean Crews, Marie Stewart, and Peggy Smith. He is survived by one brother, Robert Nix, Lawrenceburg, TN; and two sisters Nell Nix, Nolensville, TN, and Elaine Powell, Mt. Pleasant, TN; and sister-in-law, Ruth Nix, Lawrenceburg, TN. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Grimes enjoyed all sports, particularly football and baseball. He was awarded the Rotary Club’s Most Valuable Football Player Trophy in 1952. Immediately following graduation from Lawrence County High School, he moved to Detroit, MI and worked at Cadillac Motor Car Assembly Plan, Dearborn, MI.

He enjoyed boating, fishing, water skiing, and snow skiing; as well as all sports, particularly football and baseball. Prior to moving to Knoxville, TN, living on Wheeler Lake, Rogersville, AL for 11 years was most enjoyable for him as well as a dream come true. He was a member of Farragut Church of Christ; however, due to Alzheimer’s disease, he could not attend church for the past several years.

Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Neal Funeral Home. A memorial service will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 4:00 PM Saturday, May 10, 2025, with Steve Inman officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be sent by way of our website at www.nealfuneralhome.net.