Neil Clabo

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our sweet Neil on July 10, 2024. Neil was born on November 18th, 1952, in Miami, FL. After time spent in Spartanburg, SC where his dad was playing football for Wofford, Neil and his family moved back to their hometown of Knoxville, TN. Neil grew up with an immense love of sports mentored by his father Bill. His mom Peggy used to say that as a young boy, Neil would get up on game day and have his uniform on before breakfast. And, his Granny Clabo took credit for his athletic ability as Neil made her throw ball with him for hours on end . Neil attended Farragut High School and excelled in football, baseball and basketball. Although his awards are too numerous to list, Neil was a Parade and Sunkist All-American, All Southern and All State. He was the number one football recruit in Tennessee in 1970. In basketball, Neil was a top five prospect in the state in 1970. Some of his accomplishments included All State and All East Tennessee. He was also All County his four years of baseball. Neil’s football and basketball jerseys are retired at Farragut where he still holds several school records. Neil was inducted into the Farragut High School Hall of Fame in 2013. That same year, he was also inducted into the Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame. Neil continued his football career at the University of Tennessee . As you can imagine, his family was thrilled he chose to be a Vol. Neil played running back as a Freshman but when he was injured, he concentrated on punting and became All SEC punter in 1974. He also played in the College All-Star game. Neil headed to Minnesota in 1975 where he punted for the Vikings. He was the Vikings Rookie of the year and made the All-Pro rookie team. The pinnacle of Neil’s career was playing in Super Bowl XI. The Vikings lost but he has always treasured his Super Bowl ring. After his playing days were over, Farragut High School called him home and he worked there until his retirement. Along with sports, Neil was an avid hunter, golfer, and fisherman. He always seemed to snag the largest deer, catch the biggest fish and shoot the lowest on the golf course…all with a big smile on his face . But above all, Neil loved his friends and family. Neil was humble, never bragged and would give you the shirt off his back. Neil is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Peggy Clabo. He is survived by his sister, Jill Clabo Sams and his “best buddy”, brother-in-law Ben. Neil was deeply loved by his nephews Tate and Bo, and his niece Peyton McFillin (Michael). He was a member of Sand Branch Methodist Church. Neil’s friends are too numerous to list but know he loved each and every one of them. His family is very grateful for the many, many years of friendship bestowed upon him. A special thank you to Neil’s “ second moms”, Becky Hill and Ruth Ann Rogers (and the extended Rogers family). Also, thank you to Morning Pointe Hardin Valley and to Neil’s hospice nurse Rose. Neil had one request for his funeral… that no one wear a tie. Donations may be made to Sand Branch Methodist Church(2301 Thorngrove Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914) or the Pat Summitt Foundation(patsummitt.org) Neil’s service, conducted by his cousin Freddy Burkhart, will be held on July 23rd at 4:00 pm at Rose Mann Funeral Home, 6200 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN. Following the service, there will be a “light bite” dessert reception at the funeral home. The burial will be the next day at 10:00 am at Asbury Cemetery, 5100 Asbury Cemetery Road, Knoxville 37914.

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Neil Clabo

November 18, 1952 - July 10, 2024