Cleburne Tew

Francis “Cleburne” Tew, 89, passed away peacefully on October 16th, 2024, in Marianna, Florida. He was born September 23, 1935 in Fadette, Alabama. He attended school at Fadette and Slocomb and graduated from Slocomb High School in 1952. During his high school years, his athleticism was demonstrated as quarterback of the football team, as well as a guard on the basketball team. On September 10, 1954, he married the love of his life, Shirley. After high school graduation, they moved to Auburn, Alabama so he could pursue a degree in pharmacy. He graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree in 1958 from Auburn University and would become a die-hard Auburn Tigers fan – WAR EAGLE!!!!! He and Shirley later welcomed two sons, Donnie and Gary. 

Cleburne was well known in the pharmacy and healthcare community. He started his pharmacy career at Northcutt Drugs in Chipley, Florida, became owner of P&T Pharmacy in Geneva, Alabama, worked at Watson’s Drug in Marianna, Florida and eventually opened a very successful local pharmacy in Marianna, Kelson Discount Drugs. For those who were blessed to know “Tew” or “Grandaddy” recognized that he was a selfless and caring person and a wealth of knowledge. He would always go above and beyond to care for his customers, and many would refer to him as “Dr. Tew”, looking to him for all sorts of medical advice. Others came in to see him just for a cup of coffee or a good fishing story.

Cleburne was happiest when surrounded by his family, watching Auburn Football, and, of course, fishing at Dead Lakes. Family meant a great deal to Cleburne and Shirley, whether it was spending family time together at Dead Lakes or taking the annual family trips to Mexico Beach. He and his brother Jackie, along with numerous family and friends, spent countless days filling their cooler with as many fish as Dead Lakes or Apalachicola River would allow, or at least coming back with a good “tale”.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Messer Tew “Granny”, his mother, Evelyn Myrtle Griffin Tew, his father, Audy Tew, and a brother, Robert Milton Tew. 

He is survived by his children, Donnie Tew (Vicki) and Gary Tew (Nancy); his grandchildren, Lee Tew (Jackie), Dana Tew Wallace (Mike), Kristin Tew Spradling (Joe), Kelley Tew Kindelspire (Jason), Kevin Tew, Hailey Tew Brumbaugh (Eric); his great grandchildren, Shelby, Brooke, Cade, Coral, Leah, Kamdyn, Avery, Rhett, Ellaree, Alice, Luke, and Emilia; his brother, Jackie Tew, an abundance of extended family members, and special caregivers: Stephanie, Amanda, and Alicia.

Graveside funeral service will be 2PM Monday, October 21, 2024 at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with Rev. Gino Mayo officiating and James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. 

The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 1:30 PM Monday, October 21, 2024 at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel.