Clifford Thomas
November 29, 1928 - September 23, 2021
Columbia, South Carolina - Mr. Clifford Charles Thomas, Jr., 92, passed away peacefully at his home Thursday, September 23, 2021. Born in New Rochelle, N.Y., November 29, 1928 he was the son of the late Bella McKean and Clifford Charles Thomas, Sr. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Surviving are daughter, Donna L. Auld (James Patrick Auld) of Columbia; sons, Clifford C. Thomas, III (Belinda Sesler Thomas) of Columbia; Dwayne Anthony Thomas (Lisa Hughes Thomas) of Charlotte, N.C., grandchildren, James Clifford Auld (Allison Wagenlander Auld), Jessica Marie Auld, Alexandra (Lexi) Bella Thomas, Stone McKean Thomas, Jack Hughes Thomas and great grandchild Collins Thomas Auld. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Marie, and three brothers, Tom, Grosvernor (Buddy) and Pat Thomas.
Cliff grew up in Westport, Connecticut as the second son of Clifford and Bella. He attended Saint Luke's in New Canaan, CT where he was a star athlete captaining the school's football and baseball teams and honing his golf game which eventually led him to 7 club championships at Wee Burn Country Club, Darien, CT. After completing High School, Cliff attended Washington & Lee University in Lexington, VA for one year until being admitted to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD class of '53 where he played on the 150 lb football team along with being a member of the golf team. Cliff's golfing talents led him to play in the US Amateur and a number of other events along with frequent invitations from friends and business colleagues to many member-guest outings. Cliff was also admitted as a member at the age of 21 to the prestigious Pine Valley Golf Club in Clementon, NJ where he passionately enjoyed annual trips with friends and colleagues and continued his membership until his passing.
After graduating from the Naval Academy, his competitive nature led him to Naval Aviation where he frequently shared stories with family of piloting F2H-4 Banshee fighter jets on and off aircraft carriers at sea. After departing from his duties as a Naval Officer, Cliff returned to NY to begin a career on Wall Street. Shortly into his life outside of the military, he met Marie Ciserano at a Christmas function in NY. Six months later they wed in May of 1960 and in successive years following their marriage three children, Donna, Clifford and Dwayne were born.
Cliff's love for sport and competition was not lost on his children who each participated and enjoyed success in baseball, swimming, diving, tennis and golf. It was not uncommon for Cliff to be shuffling the kids to swimming and diving events up and down the east coast on weekends. More importantly, however, he was a devout catholic who rarely missed a Sunday mass even when out of town. Later in life, Cliff became passionate about running and after relocating to Hilton Head Island with Marie, he frequently participated in road races which eventually led him to complete several marathons well into his 60's.
After settling in Columbia, SC to be close to their eldest daughter, Donna, Cliff retired from Smith Barney and along with his wife, Marie, enjoyed spending time with their Grandchildren, JC (James Clifford) and Jessica Auld. Cliff will be fondly remembered as a dedicated father and stable provider who inspired honesty, hard work, faith, conservatism and frugality. His brand of life may be lost but never forgotten. May he rest in peace. Thanks Dad.
A private service was held in the St. Joseph Catholic Church Columbarium and Prayer Garden.