Phil Claywell

Phil Claywell of the Buffalo Community passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville at the age of 80, surrounded by his family.

Born Philip Gary Claywell in Nashville, he was the ninth of ten children born to the late Arthur Bryant “A.B.” Claywell Sr. and Flossie May Robinson Claywell. A 1964 graduate of Smith County High School, Phil excelled academically with a triple major in Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics. He was a dedicated tri-athlete who played football, basketball, and baseball, participated in chorus and the Christmas pageant, and was remembered in his senior yearbook as exciting, likeable, independent, and slow but sure.

He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era as a Military Policeman, entering service in October 1965 and receiving an honorable discharge in October 1967 with the rank of Specialist Fourth Class. Phil then enjoyed a thirty-year career with the United States Army Corps of Engineers at the Cordell Hull Dam Powerhouse, retiring as Senior Electrician in September 2000.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Brenda Dianne West Claywell, who passed in 2001; an infant daughter, Diana Carol Claywell; and several siblings. On April 20, 2002, he married Linda Swann Anderson of the Defeated Creek Community. A man of quiet faith, Phil was a longtime member and deacon of Peyton Creek Baptist Church. In retirement, he found great joy in fishing, hunting, farming, traveling, and above all, spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of nearly twenty-four years, Linda Anderson Claywell; sons Kevin Claywell and wife Stacey, and Kenny Claywell and wife Tanya; stepchildren Tiffany Anderson and husband Stacy, and Lance Anderson and wife Holly Shoulders Anderson; eight grandchildren, Hailey Angel, Becky Langford and husband Jimmy Langford, Gracey Angel, Gary Claywell, Hannah Anderson, Jacob Claywell, Bella Anderson, and Presley Claywell; and brothers Terry Claywell and wife Evonne, and Steve Claywell and wife Darlene.