William Earl Cleckler, 65, of Clanton went home to be with his Lord April 3, 2013. He was at Shelby Baptist Medical Center under the care of New Beacon Hospice. He was born in Chilton County on Jan. 10, 1948. His parents were Leroy and Leedie Cora Coggins Cleckler. His grandparents were Fonza and Mandy Lee Cleckler and Houston and Nora Coggins, all of Clanton.

William was a devoted member of Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church.

He was employed by Anderson Electric for 39 years. After his retirement he went to work as a truck driver for Cooperative Propane/Thompson Gas.

He loved to fish and play softball. William is remembered as the barefoot player for the independent team, Enterprise.

He also played in the church league for Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church.

Surviving relatives include his loving wife of 44 wonderful years, Shirley Ann Hamm Cleckler; daughter, Rachel (Leslie) Collins; son, David (Sonia) Cleckler; granddaughters, Kelly Collins Ring, Brianna Collins, Emma Cleckler and Mattie Cleckler; grandsons, Lane Collins and Colin Cleckler; great-grandson, Gabriel Ring all of Clanton; sisters, Elaine (Jimmy) Watts, Mary Smith, Lois Street and Bernice (Mike) Brown; brothers, Charles (Jane) Cleckler, Randall (Vickie) Cleckler and Gary Cleckler.

William is also survived by a host of special nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, niece, Tracy Pariette Avery Moran and sister-in-law, Rita Cleckler.

Visitation will be Friday, April 5 from 5-8 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Saturday, April 6 at 1 p.m. at Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church.

He will lie in state one hour prior to service at the church.

Pastor Jody Hill and the Rev. Jim Popwell are officiating.

Burial will be in Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Cemetery.

Martin Funeral Home directing.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial be made to Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church, c/o Sandra Smitherman, 264 County Road 230, Clanton, AL 35045.

You may leave online condolences on the guest registry for the family at www.martinfuneralhomeinc.com.