Leo Michael Clifford Jr. joined the angel choir March 5, 2020 with family by his side at his residence in Callaghan, Virginia.
Born June 28, 1930 in White Sulphur Springs, WV, he was the son of the late Leo M. and Effie Lilly Clifford.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Pansy "Boots" Smith Clifford; brother, Thomas Clifford; four sisters, Lilly Lewis (Gordon), Rose Ross (Honus), Agnes Stull (Lon) and Teresa Livesay (Marvin).
Leo served honorably in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean War.
After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Leo was a chef at The Greenbrier Hotel, where he retired with 35 years of service.
After retirement he continued to enjoy gardening and volunteered his pruning talent in the neighborhood and at his church. Leo always loved sports and while in school he participated in various sports earning the nick name "Gallop". His greatest delight was spending time with his grandson, Jarret.
Surviving to cherish his memory is a daughter, Michele C. Wight and husband, Rev. J. Lynn Wright of Covington; a grandson, David Jarret Wright and wife, Ashely McCaleb Wright and great granddaughters, Regan and Kendra of Christiansburg, VA; and close friend, Regenia G. Brown. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews and his church family at Fletcher Chapel United Methodist Church.
Leo and his family are grateful to caregivers Janie O'Conner, Kiana Wright, Lorri Hall, Marsha Griffith, Jean Klimara, Sherry Cale, Cyndi Bradley who became family.
A celebration of life service will be Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Arritt Funeral Home with Rev. Nancy Palmer officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service and at other times at the residence in Callaghan. Interment will follow at Fletcher Chapel Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Fletcher Chapel United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 494, Covington, VA 24426 or Mountain Regional Hospice at P. O. Box 637, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.
