Clois Cearley suffered a fatal heart attack on scene while fighting a large brush fire on March 7, 1986. His son, William, served on the same department and was on scene with him.

He was a former member of the carpenter’s union of Chattanooga and Florida.

He was survived by his wife, his parents, his son, six brothers, and three sisters.

A monument was dedicated in his honor at the fire station in 1988. In 2017, the monument was moved to a more prominent location and rededicated, with family and friends in attendance.

Cearley was remembered as an inspiration and a hero in his community.