Phillip Ray Clifton, Jr. was born on August 26, 1956 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was raised in Newport Kentucky to Allene Beckwith and Philip Ray Clifton, Sr. He suddenly passed away on October 3, 2019 in Sacramento, California, his home for the past 27 years. He leaves behind his loving wife, Violeta (The Big V), his children Penni Lane, Kimmie, Mark, and Katrina, sisters Jackie and Joann, and brother Jerry. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Michael, Kara, Christian, and Karina, including his great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Phillip was a self-made man who came from humble beginnings. In his youth, he joined the United States Army, served overseas in Germany as a tank crewman and received several recognitions. After his honorable discharge from the military service, he put himself through college and then took a chance at life in California. Propelled by his love for music, he worked as a disc jockey and eventually amassed a considerable collection of albums. He later worked within the telecommunication industry where he had a prosperous 36 year career with MCI Telecom, Worldcom, Verizon, and Global Telecommunications Link. He was a highly respected man with extreme integrity, a positive attitude, and dedication. He was a very good friend to many, both internal and external, with the companies he worked.
Phillip loved his University of Kentucky basketball team, spending time outdoors golfing, being in the desert with his photography, and spending time with his family. Among his personal proud moments was becoming a master mason, a dream he attained in April 2016. Phillip was so proud and felt fortunate to have such a loving family, from his wife, children, brother, sisters and his grand babies. His family was his greatest love and accomplishment. Phillip was also a man who appreciated the simple things in life. He enjoyed quiet conversations or a heated debate with his friends as long as it stimulated his thoughts. He grounded himself with family to remind him what was truly important in life. He was not a man out to change the world, but acted in a way he would lead by example. He lived with a humble attitude and would shy away if given credit for being a good person. He liked things simple in order to filter out the noise of things that were unimportant to being happy. Although simple, it was very fulfilling to him.
Phillip leaves a legacy of love, friendship, and laughter. Phillip will be missed and the loving memories with all those he had touched over the years will be cherished, always and forever.
Please join us on November 2, 2019 at 1:30 pm for a service to celebrate Phillip’s life. Family viewing is on November 1st from 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm and another viewing on November 2nd from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm. This will be held at Harry A Nauman and Sons Funeral Home located at 4041 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95822.
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