Samuel Griffin Clifford, Jr.

Samuel Griffin Clifford, Jr., 92, died peacefully on November 18, 2016, in Charlotte, NC, where he had been residing the past three years to be closer to his family; however, Evansville, always remained “home” in his heart. Sam was born October 6, 1924, in Evansville, and was the son of Samuel Griffin Clifford, Sr. and Carrie Akin Clifford.

He was a true gentleman and a “gentle man” with a keen intellect and insatiable curiosity about people, places, and events. He was kind, generous, and humble with a terrific sense of humor. He was a loving and supportive husband, father, and grandpa, and was a great friend to many who appreciated his loyalty and consummate ability to converse on any topic. He loved to travel, and visited all 50 states as well as multiple countries around the world. Sam was a voracious reader, enjoyed jokes (good and bad), opera and classical music, history, nature, golf, bridge, dogs and (inexplicably) Indiana University football. He was fond of reminiscing about the old family property known as “the Shack” that sat on a scenic bluff overlooking the Ohio River outside of Evansville.

Sam grew up in Evansville, was an Eagle Scout and graduated from Bosse High School in 1942. He served three years in the Army Air Force during World War II. Following his honorable discharge, he graduated from DePauw University in 1948, earned an MBA from the University of Chicago in 1951, and in 1952 he achieved the highest score in Indiana on the CPA exam. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, and Beta Gamma Sigma academic honor society. He retired in 1987 as Vice President after 29 years with Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company.

He was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, the Evansville Country Club and the Kennel Club. Consistent with his love of the Evansville community and his compassion for others, he was active in many organizations including terms as President of the Rotary Club, Goodwill Industries, Audubon Society, and Family and Children’s Service. He served on the boards of the Evansville-Vanderburgh Public Library, Welborn Baptist Hospital, Evansville Museum of Arts and Sciences, Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, Visiting Nurse Association, Wesselman Park, United Fund, Peoples Savings Bank, WNIN-TV, Conrad Baker Foundation and the Boy Scouts.

Sam was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Mildred “Milly” Fischer Clifford; and sister, Elizabeth Clifford Rake.

He is survived by his son, John Grant (Kay) Clifford of Matthews, NC; daughter, Elizabeth Jean Clifford of Louisville, KY; grandchildren, Carrie Godwin Clifford of Charlotte, NC and Andrew Robert (Makenzie) Clifford of Boston, MA; special family friend, Alanna Nash of Louisville, KY; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM Friday, December 2, 2016, at First Presbyterian Church, 609 Southeast Second Street, officiated by Reverend Kevin Fleming, with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue, and Friday from 9:00 AM until service time at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 609 Southeast Second Street, Evansville, IN 47713 or to the The Charlier Hospice Center at Deaconess VNA Plus, 610 East Walnut Street, Evansville, IN 47708. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.