GALLATIN, Tenn. (WTVF) – Emergency Medical Services Captain Shane Clifford is known for his loyalty, selflessness and humor. The 44-year-old died this week of complications from COVID-19.
At the Sumner County EMS building, they watched candid videos of Clifford to honor the prankster who always made them laugh. All you have to do is look at his TikTok to crack a smile. “He was hilarious,” said EMS chief Greg Miller. “One minute you wanted to squeeze his neck and the next you wanted to wring his neck.”
Clifford served his community for two decades saving countless lives.
“I texted him and asked him if he was okay, and he said he was having a little trouble breathing, and I said, ‘I’m thinking of you. I’m praying for you,’ and the last text he had was to me, he said, ‘I love you chief,'” Miller said.
Miller and Captain Jackson Boyd said Clifford was everyone’s best friend. It’s hard to keep the tears from flowing as they reflect on the good times. “I will remember Shane for his practical jokes that he constantly played on us and the heart that he had for his family,” Boyd said.
He leaves behind his wife of 14 years, Lavonne, and their two children. “We’ll help them through this,” Boyd said.
In his spare time, Clifford brought supplies to hurricane survivors. He was always ready to help anyone in need. He also worked as a real estate agent and enjoyed fishing.
“We wake up tomorrow morning and start over, but his memory will definitely last forever for us,” Boyd said.
Clifford’s funeral is scheduled for Friday at 11 a.m. at Long Hollow Baptist Church. After the service there will be a procession from the church to the White House Memorial Gardens.
To help her family pay their medical bills, a fundraiser through Facebook and GoFundMe has been set up.
