Clifford Nelson Cummings, Jr.

Clifford Nelson Cummings, Jr. died on March 22, 2024 in Tallahassee, FL after living for almost a century. Born on May 10, 1924 in Alma, MI, Clifford was son to Clifford Nelson Cummings, Sr. and Flossie M. (Slater) Cummings. He was the younger brother to Ann (Manly) Hahn (deceased). He was known as “Bud” to family and friends. Bud was drafted into the Army in WWII and the first year he was a member of the Army Air Corps Band. He was then sent to the front line where he was wounded and received a Purple Heart for his service. After his recovery, Clifford returned to Alma where he met and married the love of his life, Madonna Rose (Nellett) Cummings (deceased), of Saginaw, MI. They were happily married for almost 58 years.

He graduated from Alma College with a double major in Math and Economics and his first job was at Consumer Power Company in Jackson, MI. At the end of his career, he retired from Total Petroleum in Denver, CO. Cliff and Madonna moved to Tallahassee, FL in 1992 to help raise his grandchildren after the passing of their daughter-in-law, Jane Elizabeth (Tool) Cummings.

Clifford loved to eat; in fact, when he married Madonna he weighed 125 pounds and 6 months later he weighed 200 pounds because of her great cooking. He also enjoyed fishing, playing the baritone, and singing many years as part of the Men’s Choir at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. He filed his own tax returns until he was 98 and drove until his 99th birthday.

He is survived by two sons, Ronald (Pam) Cummings and Greg (Susan) Cummings; 7 grandchildren, Jonathon (Rachel) Cummings, Jeremy (Martha) Cummings, David (Erica) Cummings, Chris (Laura) Cummings, Hannah Cummings, Alex (Sydney) Cummings, Brandon (Courtney) Cummings; 3 step-grandchildren, Judy (Patrick) Lennon, Timothy (Maggie) McWhirter, and Ashley (Matt) Morris; 14 great-grandchildren; 7 step-great-grandchildren; 2 step-great-great-granddaughters; one surviving sister-in-law, Jackie (Richie) Richards; and countless other nieces and nephews.

A family memorial service will be held in April at the St. Marks lighthouse. Donations can be made in his memory to the Salvation Army of Tallahassee.