Richard "Ric" Lee Clifford
On Saturday, November 27, Ric Clifford, husband, and father of two children,
passed away at age 72.
Ric was born on October 15, 1949, at home in Owosso, Michigan to William T. and
Charlotte A. Clifford. He graduated from North Central High School in
Indianapolis, IN in 1967 and served in the US Air Force from 1970 to 1976 in the
U.S. and in Germany. He married Beverly on September 4,1974 in Germany. After
returning stateside, Ric graduated from Michigan State University with a Business
Degree in Marketing. He moved to NWA in 2002 to establish the Del Monte
Company presence in Bentonville and remained until his retirement in 2013.
Ric joined the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce after arrival and served on
the Board from 2009 to 2015, serving as Chairman in 2014. He was elected to the
Northwest Arkansas Community College Board from 2011 to 2016, serving as
Chairman from 2012 to 2015.
Ric had a passion for golf and loved playing with his friends and teaching and
playing the game with his sons. He loved helping others see their potential and
to act on it. He was also known for his witty sayings around the office.
Ric was preceded in death by his father Bill, his mother Char, his sister Randy Sue
and husband Dick Wrennick. He is survived by his wife Beverly, his sons, Ryerson
(Krystal), and Bradley (Brooke), his brothers Rusty (Carole), Terry (Yong Mi), his
sister Becky (Mark) Johnson, grandchildren Kaitlin, Matthew, Riley, Ayden,
Brenna, Brewer, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ric asked that there not be a service after cremation. He would like his ashes
spread in Maui at some time. This was a special place that both Ric and Bev
enjoyed together. A celebration of life will be held in the future. In lieu of
flowers, donations can be made to M. D. Anderson Neurological Department or to
Highlands Oncology.