Alex Harold Clifton

Savannah - Harold Clifton, 80 left his earthly home on April 14,2015 at Hospice House of Savannah after an extended battle with throat cancer. Harold had just recently lost his beloved wife, Jean Anderson Clifton, of more than 59 years on January 3, 2015. She was his helpmate and anchor in life. Harold was born on December 3, 1934 to the late Alex & Annie Clifton of Savannah, GA, with three siblings, Herbert, Betty & Patricia. He was raised in Garden City, GA and spent most of his life there until retiring and moving to Savannah, GA. Harold was an accomplished bowler for many years and also enjoyed his time on the golf course. He loved getting out regularly for a round of golf with his friends. No tale was too tall to tell while spending time with his golfing buddies at Southbridge. Construction was Harold's life. He worked as a young man with his dad and he started driving a dump truck at 13 years of age. Harold worked for a short time with American Bridge Company while operating a crane situated on a barge in the Savannah River to help erect the old Talmadge Bridge. He later went to work for his Uncle Pete and Aunt Ruby Clifton at Steel Erectors and he always credited his ultimate success to them for giving him an opportunity and believing in him. He was able to do the same, "pay it forward" with many others that he ran across that just needed an opportunity given to them. Harold also elected to serve his country as a member the Army National Guard. Harold was an entrepreneur in his own right, armed with only an 8th grade education and a strong drive to excel, he ventured into the business world, hoping to make his mark. He had his wonderful wife, Jean by his side, and through a lot of hard knocks and strong determination he gained the knowledge and experience he needed. He established his own business, Clifton Equipment Rental Company, a company that serviced many of the industries located on the Savannah River and was able to grow it successfully by always making himself available to his customers, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. He later established a waste business called Clifton Waste Services, and grew it into a major player in the Savannah market, and then later was acquired by a large national waste company. He always believed in giving back to the community and supported many worthy charities and local causes during his long business career. He loved his vocation, developed many friendships and business relationships along the way, and always believed in helping others. He often said that his greatest accomplishments were his daughters, Pam & Gina, whom he loved dearly. His motto that he stressed to his family when times were tough was, "Never give up, keep going till you can't go any further." He and his wife Jean will surely be missed by many! The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to his caregivers, Carole, Christine & Tracey who helped so much during his time of passing and also the many family members and friends that visited Harold while in the hospital and Hospice House. Through this sad time, the family rejoices in knowing that Harold and Jean are once again reunited for eternity. Harold is survived by his two daughters, Pamela Clifton Shores(Ray) of Richmond Hill, GA and Gina Clifton Mincey(Perry) of Rincon GA. His sister, Betty Clifton Lassiter of Hardeeville, S.C. Four grandchildren, Christina Shores Ricker(Brian), Lauren Mincey Sapp(Davy), Brett Matthew Mincey(Carly), Paige Mincey Mercer(Matt). Five great grandchildren, Alexis and Alaina Ricker, Holden and Hayleigh Sapp, and Walker Mincey. Two step grandchildren, 4 step great grandchildren, 6 step great great grandchildren. Many wonderful nephews and nieces. His Celebration of Life will be held Friday, April 17, 2015 at 1:30pm at the First Baptist Church of Garden City, with visitation together with family to follow in the church social hall. Private immediate family burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the First Baptist Church of Garden City at 35 Nelson Avenue Savannah, GA or Hospice House of Savannah. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Alex Harold Clifton, please visit our flower store.