Clifford Starkey, 83

McMinnville resident and Warren County native Clifford Starkey, 83, was born March 25, 1943 and died May 16, 2026 at his residence following a brief illness.  

A retired truck driver with the Tennessee Department of Transportation and member of Smyrna Church of Christ, he was the son of the late Herman and Velma Bales Starkey.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Hugh, Alford, Charles and Bill Starkey and sisters, Violet Barrett and Wilma Joyce Hennessee.

Clifford was married July 23, 1965 to Khyva Stubblefield Starkey of McMinnville.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Derrick (Amanda) Starkey of McMinnville; daughter, Dondi Starkey of Spartanburg, SC;  sister-in-law, Glenda Cantrell of Crestview, FL;  special nieces, Wilma Sullivan and Joyce Starkey both of McMinnville and Dondi Volz of McKinney, TX;  special cousin, Kimberly Boyd of McMinnville and several other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2026 in High's Chapel with Jon Simmons officiating.  Burial will follow in the Hebron Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. until time of service Tuesday at High's.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Meals On Wheels.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral home is in charge of arrangements.  

Main Street Journal

May 17, 2026