Hugh F. Cliff, Jr.

Hugh F. Cliff Jr. went to be with the Lord peacefully on Dec. 18, 2020. He was born in Columbus, Oh on July 15, 1930 to the late Hugh F. Cliff Sr. and Missie Mae (Lee) Cliff. He attended Linden McKinley High School where he excelled and played football. After high school he married and served in the United States Air Force and was based in San Antonio, TX. He retired from the U.S. Department of HUD as a federal home inspector but continued to work part time throughout his seventies. He also loved to do home improvement as a side job and impeccably rehabbed his own home. He attended St. Dominic’s Catholic Church and was very proud to serve as head usher for over 30 years. Many St. Dominic’s members knew him as “The Candy Man” he always had candy for the kiddies. Throughout his life, “Cliff” (as he was known to most people), was also an overall athlete excelling at bowling, karate, golfing, track and tennis. Although he was awarded trophies in all the sports that he participated in, tennis was his true passion. He played at least four times a week well into his eighties, all over Columbus and even started a league at his home tennis court and offered free tennis lessons to anyone that wanted to play; both children and adults. When not playing tennis, he was watching tennis on TV; he loved Venus and Serena Williams and even liked to watch their tennis match reruns. He was also a huge football fan and remained a loyal die-hard Cleveland Browns fan and was thrilled for this season’s big wins. Cliff also loved to dance and won several dance trophies, it was hard to keep him off the dance floor even after he turned ninety; he was also a jazz enthusiast and loved to attend outdoor concerts. Late in life he developed a love for pets and he adored his little devoted Bishon mix, Yogi; they were inseparable. Cliff, “Dad” was a loving and supportive father, grandfather, uncle, friend and mentor to many. “Nothing beats a failure but a try” were his favorite words of encouragement. He was always there with a listening ear and caring heart, offering positive words of wisdom. He will be sadly missed. Hugh was preceded in death by daughter, Serena Elizabeth Cliff, and his brothers, Donald Cliff any Howard Cliff. He is survived by his loving children April Lynne (Cliff) Alexander , Craige L. Cliff & Lisa M. Cliff; Grandchildren, Howard Williams Jr., Alanna Smith, Ryan Ivy, Andre Ramone Cliff (Sara); great grandchildren, Eden Rose Cliff (age 11) and Harlem Reign Cliff (age 4); sisters, Marian (Cliff) Stephens and Barbara (Cliff) Johnson. As well as many nieces, nephews. cousins and of course, Yogi his beloved pet.