Clifford L. Bryant's Obituary
Clifford L. Bryant, age 63, of North Olmsted, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2018. Cherished husband, for 41 years, of Nancy (nee Palmer) Bryant; beloved father of Dan (Jen) and Becky (John) Cooke. Devoted “Papap”to Wyatt, Beatrice, Wesley and Samson and Jael. Devoted uncle to Derek and Colin Bryant. Clifford is preceded in death by his brothers, Fred and Greg.
He was born in Man, WV, on October 6, 1954 to Aubrey E. and Betty L (nee Toler) Bryant. He graduated from Lincoln West High School in 1972. Following graduation, he volunteered for the Air Force where he became an electronic avionic radar specialist. After completing his duty with the Air Force, he worked for the Ford Motor Company foundry in Brookpark. He later utilized his GI bill to return to school for computer electronics.
Cliff worked various jobs throughout his life, but his greatest ambition was caring for others. He was a talented storyteller but also an excellent listener. He could earn anyone’s trust and could set the most reserved person at ease. He found the right words in times of heartache, though sometimes through a song or inappropriate jokes. He was the first person to show up in emergencies and the last one to leave a party. He was a friend and mentor to his children’s friends; Everyone under a certain age became one of his “kiddos.” He was deeply devoted to his friends and family. His greatest success in life is the example he set for how to love unconditionally and be generous with no strings attached.
Cliff was also known for his love of music, books and dogs. His children will always recall their home being filled with music. When he wasn’t singing to his wife, he was singing karaoke with friends or at the nursing home where he volunteered. When he wasn’t singing, he had a book in his hand. He visited the library on a regular basis and went through several books a week. He was a lifetime dog owner and was a volunteer dog walker at Berea Animal Rescue. Always talkative and friendly, he was likely to approach a stranger walking an interesting dog and strike up a conversation.
His family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Porter Library for the “Clifford Bryant Memorial Large Print Book in a Bag Collection” or to Berea Animal Shelter under the “Berea Animal Rescue Friends Clifford Bryant Memorial Fund”. To further honor Cliff, make someone laugh. Sing some Motown out loud. Start a conversation with someone you don’t know. Make child in your life feel important. Lend or your neighbor a hand. This is his greatest legacy.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday March 9, 2018 from 5-8 pm at The Middleburg Heights Community Center. 16000 Bagley Rd. Bring a balloon and a story to tell or a song to sing, and help us laugh, remember, and sing our way through the tears.
What’s your fondest memory of Clifford?
What’s a lesson you learned from Clifford?
Share a story where Clifford's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Clifford you’ll never forget.
How did Clifford make you smile?