Gordon Thomas “Tommy” Cliett
August 31, 1937 ~ December 31, 2013
Rocky Mount - Gordon Thomas "Tommy" Cliett, 76, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2013. He was born in Broxton, GA on August 31, 1937 to the late Gordon and Ammie Morton Cliett. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Gary Thomas Cliett; grandson, Adam Thomas Wilder; and sister, Marie Cliett Anderson.
Tommy was owner and operator of Western Sizzlin Steakhouse for 40 years. He cherished his employees and considered them family. He was a very generous and thoughtful man. Tommy was a member of the Prestigious 50 Million Dollar Club, holder of numerous company top sales awards as well as Franchisee of the Year. He was a member and officer of the Western Sizzlin Purchasing Board and served on selected Purchasing Committees. He was also member and President of Westcorp and served on selected Westcorp Committees. Tommy was an ADRF Board Member and served on selected ADRF Committees. He was member and President of the Mid-Atlantic CO-op and served on selected Mid-Atlantic CO-op Committees. Tommy was a member of the Western Sizzlin Prototypical Restaurant Committee and Menu and Buffet Planning Committee. He was a member of the Mason Corinthian Lodge as well as a Shriner. Tommy was an avid outdoorsman and above all he loved his family and loved serving the Lord.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Anne Cliett of the home; daughter, Cynthia Cliett Wilder and husband, Ron; granddaughter, Stephanie Wilder (Devon Griffiths) and great-grandson, Jase Matthew Griffiths all of Rocky Mount; brother, Dale Bradley Cliett and wife, Patsy of Augusta, GA.
The family wishes to thank all of the various acts of kindness shown to Tommy and our family during his recent illness.
Flowers are welcome or donations may be made to Hospice of Nash General, 2460 Curtis Ellis Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
A visitation will be held from 6:30-8:30pm Thursday, January 2, 2014 at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home. A service to remember Tommy will be held Friday, January 3, 2014 at 11:00am in the chapel of Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Dal Coppedge officiating. A private committal prior to the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
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Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Thursday 1/2, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
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Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Friday 1/3, 11:00 am
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Sent a gift in memory of Gordon Thomas Tommy Cliett
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Lit a candle in memory of Gordon Thomas Tommy Cliett
My thoughts and prayers are with you Cindy and Family. I only knew Tommy for a short period of time when I started working for him and Cindy back in April. But he made a lasting impression on me and I know that he was LOVED by so many. I know he was a great man and Heaven surely received a beautiful angel today. You will be MISSED BY MANY Mr. Tommy, I only wish I had known you for longer. Much love and respect for you and the whole family.
Sorry to hear about Tommy I will and have missed his email. Ann our family pray for your family.
Lit a candle in memory of Gordon Thomas Tommy Cliett
Lit a candle in memory of Gordon Thomas Tommy Cliett
Lit a candle in memory of Gordon Thomas Tommy Cliett
Lit a candle in memory of Gordon Thomas Tommy Cliett
To Ann and family, our thoughts & prayers are with you. The whole world has lost a wonderful person, one who worked hard even when we were kids in Douglas! Please know that you are in our hearts. Bobby and Kay (James) Pulliam Titusville, FL
We shared many good times together business and pleasure.The last time we talked we reviewed these times.I consider myself lucky that I had you to pass through my life.I know you are in heaven because you told Bobby Miller and I you were ready to go .Many thoughts and prayers for Anne and Cindy and their families.Will miss you on earth. Raymond Henley.
Tommy has meant so much to many people within the Western Sizzlin system. I have had the opportunity to personally serve with him on many of the committees that he has served. I was inspired by him many times because of his demonstration of loyalty and care for his fellow restaurant operators. He was always on the leading edge of determining the direction of the entire system through his innovation and creativity. The best way that I can put it is, Well done, Tommy. You did it well. You will be greatly missed, but your inspiration will carry on for many years to come. Bob Bass, WesterN SizzliN of Wilson
I am so sorry to hear about Tommy.. Our hearts are broken because we have lost a wonderful man. I have known him a long time. Our prayers go out to the family.
My thoughts and prayers are with Cindy, Ron and family. I met Mr. Tommy last year when Cindy gave me an opportunity to work for them. I enjoyed working for Mr. Tommy. He was a good man with a big heart. He is surely going to be missed by so many people in the community. Rest in peace Mr. Tommy.
My thoughts and prayers are with Cindy, Ron and family. I met Mr. Tommy last year when Cindy gave me an opportunity to work for them. I enjoyed working for Mr. Tommy. He was a good man with a big heart. He is surely going to be missed by so many people in the community. Rest in peace Mr. Tommy.
Lit a candle in memory of Gordon Thomas Tommy Cliett
Lit a candle in memory of Gordon Thomas Tommy Cliett
Lit a candle in memory of Gordon Thomas Tommy Cliett
Lit a candle in memory of Gordon Thomas Tommy Cliett
Lit a candle in memory of Gordon Thomas Tommy Cliett
Lit a candle in memory of Gordon Thomas Tommy Cliett
Lit a candle in memory of Gordon Thomas Tommy Cliett
Lit a candle in memory of Gordon Thomas Tommy Cliett
Tommy had a great influence on me and my business. I watched the way he worked, the way he treated people, and the way he quietly got things done. He was a great teacher and it was always a real treat to be in his presence. The world needs more people like Tommy Cliett.
HE WAS A MANS MAN WE WILL ALL MISS HIM
Tommy Cliett was a wonderful person. I worked for him for over six years. He even offered me a management position, and for that I am grateful. On my last visit to see him a few weeks, although he was sick he still remembered me. I am so glad I got to see him before he transitioned to heaven. To Mrs. Ann and the entire family, find comfort in knowing he is with the Lord, and that his life has touched so many people. God Bless You All, Kenneth Arrington
The light of God surrounds the departed. The love of Go enfolds them. The power of God protects them. The presence of God watches over them. Wherever God is, they are! May you find comfort in the enduring beauty of God’s world, and in the warmth of happy memories. With the passing of time, may the spirit of acceptance and inner peace enfold you. Psalm 11615 — Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. AARP, Tar River Chapter # 3942 Rocky Mount
Lit a candle in memory of Gordon Thomas Tommy Cliett
Tommy hired me back in 1979. I worked for him for 3 years. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the Western Sizzlin family. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs. Cliett and Cindy. God bless you and yours. Deborah Rowe Allen
Tommy was the best employer I could have ever asked for, he put up with me for 16 years at western sizzlin, and those were some of the best times of my life working for him…..he let us work for him, all the while having fun and being ourselves….but we knew wen he meant business….I will never forget Tommy…n because of him I know Western Sizzlin wil always be my home…..love always…Cheryl Shaw…
It was an honor and a privilege to know and work with such a wonderful and smart man. My condolences to all his family. I really enjoyed watching the video tribute. Robyn B. Mabe, Western Sizzin Corporation
Lit a candle in memory of Gordon Thomas Tommy Cliett
So sad to hear this news about Mr. Cliett, he was one of my favorite patients, always so generous and kind. I will definately miss his smiling face. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May he rest in peace.
Anne, I am so sorry to learn of Tommy’s death. My sincere sympathy goes to you and your family. Joan Bailey Raulerson, Douglas, GA
Lit a candle in memory of Gordon Thomas Tommy Cliett