Mr. Raymond L. “Ray” Clifford, 84, formerly of Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully amongst his loved ones at 3:45 a.m., Saturday, November 16, 2019 in Galesburg.
Ray was born March 3, 1935 in Akron, Ohio to Mr, William L. and Marguerite (Brown) Clifford. He married the love of his life, Betty I. Magner, on August 7, 1974. She preceded him in death February 1, 2016.
He is survived by his son William “Bill” (Jennifer) Clifford of Galesburg, two sisters Shirley McCartney of Akron, Ohio and Marjoreen Long of Canton, Ohio, five grandchildren Matthew VanWinkle, Andrew VanWinkle, Amber (Sean) Hatfield, Emilie Clifford and Leah Clifford, and four great-grandchildren Jude, Leah, Jocelynn and Jaydenn.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty Clifford, and three brothers Robert Clifford, Harold Clifford, and Carl Clifford.
Ray was raised and educated in Akron, Ohio; graduating from Akron Central Senior High School in 1953. After high school, he received Associates in Applies Science in Criminal Justice from Fayetteville Technical Institute of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Ray retired from United States Air Force in September 1970 as Technical Sergeant. His service took him around the world, including the wars in Korea and Vietnam. Of particular note, after performing emergency repairs on an “unrepairable” Air Force One in Vietnam, he received an Air Force Commendation Medal and orders to the 89th Military Airlift Wing at Andrews AFB for the maintenance team for Air Force One and other special mission aircraft. Ray enjoyed being a member of the VFW Post #00670 and Post #3332, American Legion Post #0032 and Disabled American Veterans Post #46 of North Carolina.
Cremation will be accorded. The family will be receiving friends and other family on Friday, November 29, 2019 from 6:00p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Memorials may be donated to the Gordon Behrnts Senior Center. Burial will be at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery with military honors. Online condolences may be given at www.h-p-w.com.
