To see the zoom service, click this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCapC6bRpJWXBh9_-HCtYtNA
Ralph J Clifford, age 90, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on March 15, 2021
In Tempe Arizona. He was born to Walter and Reva Clifford in Safford, Arizona in 1930. Ralph led a very happy active life filled with family, friends, neighbors and church members.
Ralph was a talented individual who could fix anything, he was a jack of all trades. He developed his talents because of his childhood during the depression where they had to fix everything or make do without. Under these circumstances he developed many wonderful abilities, because of his talents he was able to serve many people, Ralph loved serving others. He was a craftsman, he could do everything from simple household projects to building houses.
Ralph was a thrill seeker and a speed demon. His hobbies included flying small airplanes. He was an accomplished aerobatic pilot. He restored vintage cars from Model A Fords, Mustangs and older Pick Ups from the 1950’s and he loved motorcycles and owned 10 over the course of his life.
Ralph worked in the trucking industry for 38 years in every capacity from terminal manager to long haul truck driver. He worked for the same company, even though it changed names over the years.
Ralph graduated from Safford high school and later served in the Navy during peacetime between World War II and the Korean War.
Ralph met his eternal sweetheart Lorna Allred in Safford and we’re later married in 1955 and honeymooned in California and went to a brand new amusement park called Disneyland. Years later they were sealed for all time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple in August 1968. Ralph and Lorna were married for 65 years. They were blessed with three children Jeffrey, Lorna Kay and Kristin.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Reva Clifford, his brothers Walter Clifford Jr, Farrel Clifford, his sister June Pearson and a son-in-law Richard Palmer.
Ralph is survived by his wife Lorna, his children Jeff (Carolyn), Kay (James) , Kristin and former son-in-law Richard Clutter. Ralph had 11 grandsons and 11 great grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all.
The funeral services will be held Friday, March 26, 2021 with a viewing at 9 AM. His funeral will start at 10 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints Chapel at 2707 S. College Ave., Tempe AZ 85282 ( major cross streets are College and Alameda).
i work with Ralph for 35 years in the trucking industry. We work for ccl etmf and abf freight system’ He was over the road driver and i worked local. He tranfered from Safford to phoenix with alabam freigth which was part of CCL Wha/t was said about Ralph was really true. I enjoyed many many talks with him about family our children and church. I was serving a misson at the mesa store house when he came and served twp years with me. He stocked sheves and I drove the fork lift in the wardhouse. In our later years we met at cracker barrell for lunch with two our fellows we work with. I have lots respect for the person he was
Jay Anderson
Ralph was our neighbor for 8 years living on the next corner if Minton Street in Tempe. He was always a great neighbor to us. It was our first home after college when we were starting our family, and Ralph would help us in any way needed. A good man from Safford. Memory from Brenda and Ed Richardson
I grew up across the street in Lone Star from Ralph. He used to take flying in his airplane all the time. He used to let me fly sometimes. He took me swimming at the Safford swimming pool. He was 9 years older than me but we were the best of friends. He was like a big brother to me. His dad Walt and mother Reva were like my second family. Ralph always said his parents liked me better than all their kids. I grew up from a baby until I was 16 years old then we moved to town. Ralph an I still stayed friends all our lives and in contact with each other. Ralph was one of the best people I ever knew and will always miss him.
Thank you all who contributed to my fathers memories.
On behalf of my father Henry Clifford Sr. and my family we offer our condolences.