Funeral arrangements set for Josh Artis
Apr 17, 2018Photo: George Robinson/The Leaf-Chronicle)Buy PhotoCLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — One of Clarksville's most recognizable residents with a reputation for impacting the lives of those he came in contact with died Thursday after a four-month battle with cancer at the age of 29.Josh Artis was surrounded by his family when he passed at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center in Nashville. Artis was re-admitted to the Centennial Medical Center on Monday and was moved to the Cancer Center Wednesday, according to his father, Mike Artis."At that point, Josh didn't want anyone to see him in the physical condition he was in," Mike Artis told The Leaf-Chronicle Friday morning. "It took its toll on him physically. It was difficult for him. But I'm telling you what, spiritually and mentally ... cancer couldn't touch him. Couldn't touch him."Arrangements for a viewing and wake have been set for Wednesday, April 13. The viewing will be from noon to 5 p.m., while the wake will be from 5-7 p.m. at Foston Funeral Home on Franklin Street in Clarksville. The funeral will be held at noon Thursday at First Missionary Baptist Church on Fairview Lane.The overwhelming support and love for Artis has been immense in the past day as thousands of social media posts from Facebook and Twitter have been pouring in since news of his passing hit late Thursday afternoon."He had accepted his fate and was ready," Mike Artis said. "He told me, 'I'm tired and I'm ready. I used my time here and it's time to move on.'"Artis' effect on the Clarksville and surrounding communities isn't surprising to those who live in this area. The 2004 Hopkinsville High School graduate worked for three years at the Clarksville Athletic Club and was a quick-rising referee for high school and college athletics around the region."I don't think you could meet a more friendly person," Clarksville Ahtletic Club owner Nathan Deer said Friday. "He knew nearly everyone that came into our club and he knew their names and about their families. P... (Clarksville Leaf Chronicle)