Clifford Wentzel

Clifford E. Wentzel, 78, passed away November 16, 2021.

Clifford E. Wentzel was the 5th child born to Bill Sr. and Pauline Wentzel. He graduated from Monessen High School Class of 1961. He enlisted in The United States Airforce in December 1961 he met Josephine Ragsdale Cash and married her in 1965. They had 2 daughters, Lorene Michelle in 1966 and Eva Nicole in 1969, and one son, Clifford Elton II in 1975. Cliff joined the police academy in 1972. He started as a police officer and ended as a Lieutenant with the city of Franklin Tn and was also a Deputy Sheriff with the Williamson County Sheriff's Department in Franklin Tn for a total of 15 years with both.

In 1982 he was ordained a Priest of the RLDS faith. He spent many weeks at summer church camps as a cabin counselor and/or camp Pastor. He did some private eye work for a few years before he helped build a custom cabinet business with his son Elton. The last jobs he had were all naturally bearded Santa jobs. Two years in Virginia & 3 years at Cool Springs Galleria in Franklin Tn as the Mall Santa, and also in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Alabama, & New York. He was Santa Pop to his younger grandchildren & was The Real Deal to the great grands. He wore a lot of hats and was something different to everyone, He was well loved and the greatest Dad & Poppa that any youngin could’ve had.

He was born May 19, 1943, in Monessen, Pennsylvania to the late Pauline and Bill Wentzel Sr. Clifford is preceded in death by his wife, Josephine R. Wentzel; sisters, Margaret Jane Wentzel, Phyllis Delucca and Doris Clark.

Those left to cherish Clifford’s memory are his children, Michelle Wallace, Nicole Wentzel-Potts (Tim) and Elton Wentzel (Carly); grandchildren, Matthew (Paige), Garrett, Gabrielle (Skylar), Ivan, Noelle (Adam), Ethan, Issac, Heather, Cassandra and Selena; great-grandchildren, Cash, Scarlet Jo, Stella, Banks and Addy; brother, Bill Wentzel Jr. (Brenda); special adopted daughter, Lisa Wood; several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A Life Celebration will be held on Sunday, November 21, 2021, from 4:00-8:00 PM.

The Memorial Service will be held on Monday, November 22, 2021, at 1:00 PM at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home.