James Clifton “Cliff” Loftin Jr., 48, well known breeder and trainer of Tennessee Walking Horses, and a resident of Camellia Dr. in Columbia lost his long battle with diabetes and other illnesses on Tuesday, September 27, 2011, at Kindred Hospital in Nashville, Tenn.

Funeral services for Loftin will be held on at 2:00PM on Thursday, September 29, 2011, with Bro. David McGregor officiating. The family will visit with friends on Wednesday evening from 5:00PM - 8:00PM. Heritage Funeral Home of Columbia, Tenn. is assisting the family and in charge of arrangements.

A native of Maury County, Tenn., he was the son of the late James Clifton Loftin, Sr. and the late Margarete Rodgers Loftin. Following graduation from Columbia Academy, he went on to receive his B.A. from Middle Tennessee State University. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Franklin. He was self employed as a horse trainer and a member of the Tennessee Walking Horse Trainers' Association.

In addition to his many cousins and friends, Loftin is survived by his sister, Jennifer Loftin (Sammy) Barrier.

Pallbearers will be Bill Beech, Robert Hood, Shawn Fulton, Blake Sims, Tracy Boyd, Brett Boyd, John Puckett and Sammy Barrier.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Jill Beech, Debrorah Coleman and Becky Hicks along with trainers and breeders of Tennessee Walking Horses of Middle Tennessee.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association - Nashville TN Office, 4205 Hillsboro Road, Suite 200, Nashville, TN 37215-3339.