Sheila Runyon

Sheila Rae Bowman Runyon, of Clarksville, Tennessee, died on April 29, 2025, at the age of 85.

To say she was a beautiful, brave, clever and tenacious child of God would be a vast understatement. Sheila married Frank J. Runyon, II, after her wink at the handsome, redheaded church usher initiated an introduction and romantic courtship. They were married for 51 years and the family God bestowed upon them has grown and flourished over the years with an abundance of Joy, Laughter--and Faith.

Growing up in Clarksville, Sheila was active in Girl Scouts and attended Clarksville High School, graduating class of 1957 and deemed by some teachers as loquacious. She continued her education by receiving degrees in both English and Physical Education from Austin Peay State University. Ever the competitor, Sheila played #1 on the Women’s Tennis Team for APSU and served as Secretary-Treasurer for the Student Body Government. Rumor has it that she always beat her five children in a good game of basketball and never let them win a match of tennis.

Raising five children kept Sheila on her toes, to say the very least. Home-cooked dinners, regular church attendance, yearly family vacations and lake trips, meaningful and memorable holiday traditions, and emphasis on success coupled with a charitable mindset were important to Sheila. And while instilling these family values, Sheila was still an intentional, diligent and contributing member to her community. Actively, she participated in the “DARE” and “Just Say No” programs helping Clarksville’s youth. Additionally, Sheila, a strong and active parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church, served as a Eucharistic minister and was active on several initiatives in the growth of the church. Among many accomplishments, her work led to the acquisitions of land and buildings for the Family Life Center and the Immaculate Conception School on Madison Street. Furthermore, her work with the YMCA contributed to the direct success of the YMCA Hillcrest Drive building development. Keeping things beautiful and engaging, Sheila was a vibrant member of the Les Candides Garden Club and for many, many years her bridge club brought such joy.

A positive attitude and sense of humor were paramount to Sheila. All of her children can hear her now saying, “Something good is going to happen to you today!” and over the years, all the children have realized, yes—something good is going to happen…each and every day, you just need to look and listen. Whenever a negative word was spoken, Sheila consistently asked, “Is that what you want?” and with that, reflection and redirection usually created a more positive frame of mind. Ever the clever wit, Sheila’s humor and pranks abounded and always brought entertainment and laughter. Sheila’s positive attitude and encouragement—along with intentional expectations, no doubt led to one of her proudest moments when her family was awarded “Family of the Year” in 1990 by Montgomery County and announced in The Leaf Chronicle.

As the children grew and some left for college, Sheila pursued and received her real estate license. Her motto was “If you don’t know Clarksville, know a Clarksvillian!” Her success as a real estate agent was evident. Sheila proudly served on the Clarksville Board of Realtors for a number of terms and had a very successful career. Additionally, she was one of the founding members of Keller Williams Realty of Clarksville.

Without question, Sheila always said that her proudest accomplishment and achievement was her family. She will be greatly treasured and missed.

Sheila is predeceased by her parents, Raymond and Mary Bowman, as well as her loving husband, Frank Jasper Runyon, II. Additionally, Sheila is survived by her five devoted children: Mary Neill Seesholtz (Rob), J. Runyon (Rhonda), Markley Runyon (Tony York), Donnelly Davidson (Bob) and Ray Runyon (Julie); grandchildren: Katie Henderson, Whit Henderson (Kayley), Abbie Norfleet (Chris), Jessie Young (Chase), Sarah Fullerton (Chris), Ethan Seesholtz, Morgan Clan (Michael), Preston Gill, Gage Davidson, Graham Davidson, Gracie Davidson, Connor Runyon and Cailynn Runyon; and, great-grandchildren: Isaiah Henderson, Haddie Norfleet, Natalie Norfleet, Madelyn Louise Clan, Mason Henderson, and Palmer Young. Sheila is also survived by her siblings, Rodger Bowman (Pamela) and Mary Clair Dueker.

Funeral Mass for Mrs. Runyon will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 5, 2025, in the chapel of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 716 Franklin Street, Clarksville, Tennessee 37043. Father Jean Baptiste will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 3 to 6 p.m. at McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home, with a Rosary service beginning at 6 p.m. Visitation will be held again the next day, Monday, May 5, 2025, from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

Serving as pallbearers will be Rob Seesholtz, Whit Henderson, Ethan Seesholtz, Isaiah Henderson, Tony York, Bob Davidson, Gage Davidson, and Connor Runyon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic School, 1901 Madison Street, Clarksville, Tennessee 37043.

Arrangements are in the care of McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.NaveFuneralHomes.com