Oral Clifton Speight

Oral Clifton Speight passed quietly on September 12th at the age of 84 surrounded by his family. Clifton was born in 1938, to Oral and Lora Speight in Visalia, CA. He attended Mt. Whitney High School and shortly after graduating high school, joined the Air Force in 1956 and served until 1960. As a lifelong learner he attended continuing education classes. He received his AA degree in business at COS. Clifton and Marie married on Nov 1, 1959, enjoying 57 years together. On their first meeting he told her he was going to marry her. She laughed. After the Air Force, Clifton started his career in the Tulare County Assessor’s office and moved into Banking and Real Estate Appraisal for over 50 years, specializing in Agricultural appraisal. He enjoyed traveling and went to many places experiencing new adventure around every corner, making wonderful memories with his wife Marie.

He was a member of the North Fresno Rotary Club for 27 years helping with many charity events. Hel and Marie attended Holy Spirit Church in Fresno. A man of faith and humility always striving to serve others. He contributed to many charities. Over the years his love of gardening found him working in his yard or his mother’s, mother-in-law, or sister’s gardens. As a man who enjoyed nature, he loved spending time at his mountain property every chance he got.

Clifton was a selfless man whose passing has left a hole that only he can fill. Clifton had many friends throughout his life as he was best known for his generosity and sense of humor with the ability to love, provide, support, forgive, and joke will forever be lessons to us. He will be dearly missed and even though he has new agriculture real estate in heaven, he will always be with us in our hearts and in our treasured memories, until we reunite, we love you, Clifton. A Life Well Lived.

He is survived by his sister Ivergene Petty, sister-in-laws Elaine Dias, Betty Odell, and Rosie Speight. He loved spending time with his family and extended family of sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Marie Speight, his parents Oral and Lora Speight, sisters Irene Swatzke, Faye Routen, and brother JC Speight.

While living at Park Visalia Assisted Living in Visalia, he appreciated the friendships, encouragement and care of the staff and caregivers.

Graveside services will be at the Visalia Public Cemetery District on October 4th at 10:30am. Then a Celebration of Life will follow at the Lamplighter Inn for family and friends.