My condolences to Clifton’s family. He was known as Smiley to his Air Force Brothers. Wish I had known of this sooner to pay my respects. Clifton was honestly the best person ever, one I would call my brother. I’ll always remember him with a smile on his face, jamming to his music, and dancing because he loved it.  Here is one of many adventures in Cali together. 

I'm very sorry to hear about Cliftons passing.
I recently dug out some old camcorder tapes from high school years that I had filmed with friends, and Clifton was on a lot. I thought "he's really gonna get a kick out all this old footage!"
I hadn't kept in touch after high school as much, so it was such a shock after googling his name today to see he passed last year.

Clifton got along with everyone, and could switch social groups on the fly like nothing. Watching the old video reminded me how fun he was to be around and never a dull moment.

My condolences to the Gillyard family.

I didn’t know Clifton that well but he showed me nothing but love from the first time I met him. His energy was always high and he had a smile you would never forget. Rest up young brother. You will be missed. 

Clifton was a great employee here with PSAV at the Swan and Dolphin. I was disappointed when he decided to go part time. We could give him any task and he would surpass our expectations! 


One of my very first memories of Clifton was in 3rd grade. We sat across from each other at an M.E.S. lunch table. He ate fried chicken and I ate brown bag.  Looking up to see my uninspired packed lunch, he said "you want some?" Shy and embarrassed that I was staring at his food, I reluctantly turned down his offer. But over 25 years later, this is still a vivid memory of mine because of how unexpected his generosity was. When I got home from school I told my mom about the nice kid who offered me some of his lunch and she said "the Gillyards are a good family. Clifton is a good kid."   And that's how I remember him. He was one of a handful of us who were in the Mannheim community elementary through high school.  He turned into one of the "cool kids." I never did. But, I always felt a connection through our shared experience as "civilian kids" who lived on the "economy." I remember Clifton as a kind and generous guy who liked to laugh and make people laugh.  He moved effortlessly from one social group to the next and could find common ground with just about anyone, even those as anti-social as I was. He was positive and genuine and loved by so many.
His passing has been difficult to process, partly because of our shared life experience in those early years, but mostly because it's hard to fathom such a bright light going out.  
My most sincere condolences to the Gillyard Family. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I wish you only love and support.  Love, Christi

Super hero shirt day with Kyle, Mike, Max, Josh, and Fred.

Thinking  of you and your family in these difficult times.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.


Clifton, aka Clifford the Big Red dog, DJ Skillz, Smiley, Black Hawk Down, and Static the Hip Hop Ninja has been like a brother to me for almost two decades. He has inspired and challenged me as only family can do all along the way. The confidence that he carried was inspirational. He feared very few things and went where he pleased. Having him in my life has made the entire experience better. While the loss of his presence will never be diminished, I am comforted by the memories of the time we spent together. 

One of my favorite quotes from Clifton came at a time when I was struggling to find a career after finishing college. After a long day he saw that I was tired and I told him that I felt like the fire had gone out and he said to me, 

"You don't always have to fuel the fire, sometimes the fire fuels you". 

To the Gillyard Family -  I was so sorry to hear this news.  I hadn't been in touch with Clifton lately, but I have so many memories of his laughter and kindness.  I also remember playing sand volleyball with him at High Life even when our fwet were freezing.  I pray that you find peace in the peace he is experiencing now with our Savior.

Clifton was such a kind friend back in school, often smiling brightly (what a big, bright smile!) and sharing some witty joke or another that put smiles on everyone else, too.   May that dashing, bold smile of his and his kind, hearty laugh live on always in our fond memories.  So many youth group trips and band activities were all the better and brighter for his joyful presence on them.  I'm going to have to dig out the old photo boxes from high school and stir back up some of those good days in my heart in his honor.  Our family is praying with sorrowful hearts for yours as you grieve, and sending our deepest love and condolences. 

OBITUARY

Clifton Darnell Gillyard

July 30, 1984 – May 9, 2018

Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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