Wallace Clements

SARASOTA, Fla. — Wallace D. Clements passed away on Jan. 19, 2019, at the age of 91. He was born Sept. 21, 1927,in Soddy-Daisy, Tenn., to Ola and Edward Clements. He moved to Chattanooga in 1954 to work at Dixie Ohio Express as a truck mechanic, but was later employed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Wallace was proud to be a Union man, a tenacious fighter for workers, and he held the position for many years of Director of Drive, the lobbying arm of the Teamsters Union. In this position, he was on a first name basis with many members of Congress, Presidents, and other elected officials. He used his influence to help working people. He was proud to help those get elected who would best represent union interests. Wallace moved to Sarasota in 1973. He loved Sarasota and Siesta Key Beach. He loved going to the beach on Christmas and telling all that would listen that it was 80 degrees and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. He was active in helping bring about the natural area in his neighborhood – the Red Bug Slough, which provides recreation for many residents of and visitors to Sarasota. He was an excellent provider, a good friend to many all over the United States, and a helpful neighbor. He worked with the Sarasota Christian Church for several years to collect and distribute surplus food. Wallace served in World War 2 with the U.S. Navy. He was a 32nd degree Freemason and a Shriner. He had a great passion for politics and was once a delegate for Tennessee to the Presidential Convention. Wallace was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey D. Clements; a son, Michael Steven Clements; and a half brother, Elmer Clements. He is survived by a son, Mark Edward Clements and wife Jaye; daughter, Lana Joyce Rossy and husband Jeff, daughter Lisa Ann Franklin and husband Bobby. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Viewing will be from Wednesday, Jan. 23, from 10 a.m. to noon at Jennings Funeral Home, a graveside service will follow at Sarasota National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a gift is suggested in Wallace’ name to the Shriners Hospital for Children-Tampa, 2900 North Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.