By Thomas Sellers Jr.
The Millington Central Middle High School and Trojan Football family suffered a tremendous loss in the passing of Coach Tommy Clifton.
The Millington Athletic Hall of Famer passed away last week and tributes from peers, colleagues and his former players have been pouring in.
Clifton served as a coach for his alma mater for several years leading the Freshman Trojans and later being an assistant on the varsity team until 2020.
Another part of his legacy was field maintenance until the arrival of the turf surface.
Thomas W. “Tommy” Clifton, Sr, 71, of Millington, passed away on December 7, 2022, at Methodist University Hospital. The family received friends Saturday at Munford Funeral Home – Millington Chapel from noon until the service.
The interment was in West Union Cemetery. Clifton was a graduate of Millington Central High where he played football, baseball, and track. He went on to serve with the Memphis Fire Department for 33 years where he retired as Captain.
He also loved fishing, hunting, and most of all coaching football. Whether on the field or at the fire station, he was a mentor and leader to many. He and his wife Cindy just celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary.
The best gift of their 49 years was their four children and eight grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Alice Jean Clifton. He is survived by his wife, Cindy Clifton; two daughters, Christy Thomas (Jerry) of Franklin, and Randi Clifton of Memphis; two sons, Tommy Clifton, Jr. (Linda) and Brian Clifton Sr. (Judy) both of Millington; a sister, Carol Jean Pierce of Millington; six granddaughters, Hannah Clifton, Maddy Clifton, Madison Thomas, Haley Clifton, Olivia Thomas, and London Thomas; two grandsons, Brian Clifton, Jr. and Tommy Clifton, III.
