November 20th, 2021.
He was born on January 25th, 1938 in Hartford, Connecticut to Clifton Crocker Blade, Sr. and Gladys Evalyn Chambers.
One of four children, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after he graduated high school, serving from 1956-1980. While serving his nation he received; Navy Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal w/6 stars, Meritorious Mast, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/4 stars, RVNMUC w/palm, and RVNMUC CivAct w/palm. His marriage to Bette Lou Bryant in 1959 produced three children; Bridgette Nelson, Debrielle (Ronald) Carr, and Terence (Berly) Blade. The Blade family traveled extensively throughout the United States during his military career, with Clifton honorably serving two tours in the Vietnam War. Clifton’s dedication to his country led to them being stationed in the Panama Canal Zone, providing his wife and children with unique cultural experiences. His last tour of duty was in Albany, Georgia, where he ultimately retired as a Master Gunnery Sergeant and went on to teach at the Job Corp., then worked as a corrections officer at Lee County Correctional Facility. During this time he went to college for Sociology, later changing his major to Criminal Justice. He then settled in Atlanta, Georgia to raise his fourth child, Cedric Blade. Shortly after he had another daughter, Ciara. His final position in a storied career was that of personal driver for the President of Spelman College. This was a job that brought him great pride, and garnered the respect and friendship of all on campus. He was a spirited patriarch who enjoyed sharing stories, researching his family tree, and taking road trips in his camper with his youngest son. He was an American hero with a deep love for his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings; Everett Freeman and Hilda
Blade, and his wife, Bette Lou Blade.
In addition to his four children, he is survived by his brother Donald Freeman, his
grandchildren; Derek, Devin, Isaa Hasaan, Tori, Kaitlyn, and Taylor, his
great-grandchildren Elahn, Harvest, Creed, and Quest, as well as numerous other
family and friends.
Please take time to leave your condolences to the Blade family or share memories of Clifton by visiting his memorial page at www.WhitleyGarner.com
Arrangements are entrusted with Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home, 8640 Rose Avenue, Douglasville, Georgia 30134 770-942-4246
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