Harold Cleveland Phifer

McMinnville resident and Warren Countynative Harold Cleveland Phifer, 96, was born March 9, 1929 and died Nov. 5, 2 025 in Chattanooga following a brief illness.

A retired employee of Genesco and Warren County Freight, he was the son of the late Paul and Delma Sparkman Phifer. He was a member of Westwood Church of Christ where he served as an Elder and Deacon. He was married to Mary Gayden Martin on March 27, 1948 who preceded him in death on Aug. 2, 2014. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by daughter, Kathy Phifer Close; brothers, David, James and Robert Phifer and sister, Betty Ferguson.

Mr. Phifer is survived by son, Steve Phifer of Chattanooga; granddaughters, Betsy (Tim) Jackson and Jenny (Josh) Whitt, both of Chattanooga; great-grandchildren, Charlie, Danny and Maggie; brother, Percy (Carolyn) Phifer of McMinnville; sisters-in-law, Kathryn Phifer and Janie Phifer, both of McMinnville; nieces, Jamie (Joe) Sheminti, Tammy Phifer, Cindy Phifer, Sally Cantrell and Sherry Limer; nephews, Terry Phifer, Paul Phifer and Barry Ferguson; great-niece, Dardy Limer and very special friends, Pete and Mary Ann Blankenship of McMinnville.

Per Mr. Phifer’s wishes, he will be cremated. Graveside service and inurnment will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, November 16, 2025 at Mt. View Cemetery in McMinnville with Michael Rowland, Tim Deason and Bob Deason officiating. No service or visitation will be held at High’s.

Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels or the Westwood Church of Christ Food Pantry.

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

High Funeral Home and High’s Cremations, Inc. are in charge of arrangements.

Main Street Journal

November 6, 2025