Clinton mourns Queener’s passing
Brother appointed to fill council seat
David Queener
The vote came during the council’s Monday, Aug. 24, meeting.
Flowers brought by Clinton City Schools Director Kelly Johnson sat at David Queener’s place in the council chambers.
In comments to The Courier News, Clinton officials paid tribute to Queener and his decades of service to the community.
“David Queener was the picture of a public servant,” Mayor Scott Burton said. “He worked with the city of Clinton for over 40 years, served on Clinton City School Board, and served on City Council. He also was involved in youth sports for many years and served for decades with the Anderson County Fair.
“If you asked David a direct question, he always gave you a direct answer,” Burton said. “We agreed on many things and disagreed on some issues, but I always respected his beliefs and views. I will miss David on council and as a friend.”
“David Queener loved Clinton,” Councilman Rob Herrell said. “He showed his love with years of public service — law enforcement, Clinton City School Board and Clinton City Council. I will miss his passion and his frankness.”
Councilwoman Wendy Maness also reflected on Queener’s devotion to his family and the city.
“David Queener loved his family, and he loved this town,” Maness said. “Over the past four years, I heard countless stories that showed us how much he cherished being ‘Pop’ to his granddaughter. I was grateful for the opportunity to know David and learned from him during our time serving together on City Council.
“He taught me many things, including the importance of standing strong in what you believe,” Maness said. “Few people have served Clinton in as many ways as David did, through our police department, the school board and City Council. His service left a lasting mark on our community. He will be greatly missed, and I will always be thankful to have known him.”
Vice Mayor Larry Gann said he had known Queener since Queener was a student at Clinton High School.
“Having known David since his time as a student at Clinton High School, I have always seen him as a person of firm resolve and dedication to the things that he believed were right and correct,” Gann said. “I recall refereeing Saturday basketball games when he played, and he was always passionate and dedicated even in those times.
“He continued through the years as he rose in rank and service to the city of Clinton and its citizens,” Gann said. “He was firm in his beliefs and not afraid to stand alone when he thought it was the correct thing to do, even if it meant being outspoken and outnumbered.
“His dedication in all his time working for the city can never be doubted or belittled. He was resolute in doing what he thought was best and standing up for that belief. He will certainly be missed as a voice of consideration in all our discussions on City Council. He will be missed as a voice for the citizens of Clinton and leaves a legacy far too short in service and duration.”
Clinton Police Chief Jim Campbell remembered Queener as an important influence on his career.
“David Queener was my first lieutenant and probably the main reason that I’m here,” Campbell said. “He loved this town. He loved the city police department. And I know that he cared about me.”
Queener is survived by his wife, Paulette Queener; children, Josh Queener and wife, Lauren, and Melissa Newby and husband, TJ; mother, Dorothy Queener; two grandchildren; a great-grandson; an expected great-granddaughter; brother, Steve Queener and wife, Laura; and a nephew.
The family received friends Saturday, Aug. 22, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton, where a celebration of life service followed.
A graveside service was held at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.