Harold Clevinger, 90, died peacefully Tues., April 9, 2024 at his home in Greenbrier. He was born Oct. 29, 1933, in Ferrells Creek, Kentucky.
He was aproud but also modest U.S. Army veteran—serving in the Korean War—in communications. He began his service in 1953 following in the footsteps of his two older brothers who had also served.
Following his military service he became an educator. He served as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent. He retired from the Ohio Department of Education. He loved sharing stories of that chapter in his life.
Harold wasn’t the kind of guy who wanted the focus on him. Whether it was his family, his friends or one of the many people that sought him out for business dealings or personal advice, he always put others first. It’s just who Harold was. A true gentleman, he was well-mannered and courteous to all. When he spoke, those who knew him listened carefully because they knew he had something to say that was worth hearing.
He believed in self-integrity, and there could be no breach. He taught his children to live by the Golden Rule, and there could be no compromise.
He loved to garden. He also loved to eat. One of his favorite hobbies was trying out new restaurants. He also liked to go to garage sales. He loved the Museum of Veterans and Military History in Vilonia where he volunteered for 12 years. He served as a board member and a docent giving tours. At the museum, he also shared his military service with visitors, taught many students about the use of military field phones and how to use a P38 (military) can opener. He was instrumental in the building of the museum’s Peace Chapel.
Last but not least, his faith in God was the foundation of who he was and he loved sharing it with others and worshiping at New Hope Baptist Church in Vilonia.
He was preceded in death by his wife, of 65 years, Jean. He was also preceded in death by his parents Claud and Rushia Clevinger; his three brothers Earl, Clyde and James Clevinger as well as his sister Marie Lester.
He is survived by his special, best friend Kay Bush of Greenbrier; his two children, Cherie Sullivan (Danny) of Fayetteville, Georgia; Randy Clevinger (Tammy) of Vilonia. Three grandchildren, Renee F. Hatcher; Clay Clevinger (Lexi); Cole Clevinger (Kristen); three great-grandchildren, Brennan Hatcher, Charlee Jean Clevinger and Whitley Clevinger.
A memorial service is set for 11 a.m., Saturday, April 13, 2024 in the outdoor Peace Chapel at the Museum of Veterans, 53 N. Mt. Olive in Vilonia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Hope Baptist Church 365 Hwy. 64 East Conway, Arkansas 72032, or to the Museum of Veterans, P. O. Box 668, Vilonia, Arkansas 72173.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Vilonia Funeral Home, 1134 Main Street, Vilonia, AR. The family would like to thank the employees of Gentiva hospice for their compassionate care of Harold in the weeks before his passing.
