John Clenney

John Edward Clenney passed away on December 8, 2017 in Birmingham, Al at the age of 93. Clenney was born in Abbeville, Al on December 18, 1924. When he was a boy a tornado hit their house and he was thrown 300 feet away from his home into an open field. The family then moved to Birmingham, Al in 1936, where he attended Elyton Elementary and Phillips High School. On March 13, 1943 Mr. Clenney enlisted in the United States Navy. He participated in D-Day on June 6, 1944.He was discharged from the United States Navy in 1945. On August 13, 1948 he joined the Birmingham Police Department. He was a proud member of that department for 38 years and was the oldest living retired police officer. Defining parts of his character was his determination and desire to help others. Mr. Clenney was also known for his humor and his love for fishing and singing. He loved to work in the field of horticulture and was awarded the Birmingham Beatification Award multiple times. At the age of 75 Mr. Clenney decided to learn guitar, which he quickly mastered, and began playing and singing at Gardendale Senior Center and Mt. Olive Senior Center. Everyone that knew him was fond of him. He lived an adventurous and fulfilling life, and he had a positive impact on everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him. Clenney was a dedicated and loving husband and father. He adored his granddaughters more than anything in the world. He was so proud of the teacher that Katie (Roy) had become and was overjoyed with her earning two degrees. He was also proud of Sarah Violet (Bice) for working to earn her degree in English. Mr. Clenney is preceded in death by his wife, Martha F. Clenney; his parents, Ovie C. and Virginia Azlene Clark Clenney; brother, Jesse Austin Clenney; and sister, Jean Clenney. He is survived by his wife, Grace Clenney; daughters, Pat Hunt: son-in-law, Ken Hunt and Pamela Jeanine Bice; grandchildren, Katie H. Roy (Nathan) and Sarah Violet Bice; step-daughters, Tama Watson (Steve) and Jamelle Shaw (Steve). His funeral service will be held on Monday, December 11, 2017 at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home's Chapel at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be held at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.