Clarksville, TN – A Celebration of Life for Dudley Wayne Rives, age 81, of Clarksville, Tennessee, will be held on Wednesday, December 17th, 2025, at 1:00pm at Sykes Funeral Home with Bro. Steve Lannom and Bro. David Mackens. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm and again on Wednesday from 11:00am until the hour of service.
Dudley was born on June 12th, 1944, to the late R.B. Rives and Ina Gaither Rives. He passed away on December 12th, 2025, at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown.
A 1962 graduate of Clarksville High School, Dudley dedicated over 35 years of service to the Clarksville Gas and Water Wastewater Treatment Plant, where he was known for his strong work ethic and commitment to the community. A man of deep faith, he was a member of Pleasant View Baptist Church for 70 years.
In addition to his parents, Dudley is preceded in death by his brother, Russell D. Rives. He cherished his family and is survived by his beloved wife of almost 54 years, Katherine Clark Rives; his son, Brian Wayne (Denise) Rives; his grandson, Knox Wayne Rives; his granddaughter, Lily Kathlena Rives; and his sisters, Peggy Rives Herald of Southside and Debbie Rives Rayburn of Clarksville.
Pallbearers will be Donnie Black, Ronnie Black, Danny Clark, Jimmy Gaither, Corey Izatt, and Joshua Smith.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Couples 3 Sunday School class of Pleasant View Baptist Church, Laithe Gaither, Bobby Morrison, Jr., and Stanley York.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice, or to Pleasant View Baptist Church Fuel Program and Operation Christmas Child Ministries.
About Sykes Funeral Home and Crematory
The caring and experienced professionals at Sykes Funeral Home and Crematory are here to support you through this difficult time. We offer a range of personalized services tailored to your family’s specific needs and preferences. You can rely on us to help you plan a personal and lasting tribute to your loved one. We will carefully guide you through the many decisions that must be made during this challenging time.
You are welcome to call us at any time, any day of the week, for immediate assistance. Or, visit our funeral home in person at your convenience. We also provide a wealth of information on our website, allowing you to learn more from the comfort of your own home.
Sykes Funeral Home is Middle Tennessee’s exclusive provider of Veterans Funeral Care. As members of this network, we deliver world-class service to former and current members of the U.S. military and their families. All package prices for this program can be found at the links above. Whether you choose a National Cemetery, burial at sea, or even a private cemetery, we guarantee that military honors will be conducted appropriately.
For more information, visit their website at www.sykesfuneralhome.com
