Clifford Holloway

Clifford Leazo Holloway, 96  

Clifford was born in Redwater Texas on May 3, 1926, to Jesse and Effie Ellis Holloway Sr. He was child number eight of nine children born to this union. He accepted Christ at an early age. He was a member of Martin Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. He attended school in Bowie County School System.

Clifford was set up on a blind date with Pauline Brantley by his brother Legus Holloway Sr. After the blind date he and Pauline continued dating and were married on December 31,1947, in Texarkana, Arkansas. They remain married for 68 ½ years until Pauline’s departure on June 24, 2016. They set a beautiful example of love and serving one another.

In 1949, he began working for Red River Army Depot and earned his way up to G12. Due to the economic and social unrest in the early 1950’s, he was bumped down to G3 and decided he needed a change. He spoke with personnel and received assistance with applying for a job at White Sands Missile Range and one at Holloman Air Force Base (AFB). He was hired at Holloman AFB and relocated from Redwater, TX to Alamogordo, NM in 1956. His tenure with Red River was seven years. In order to make this move a reality he needed the support of his mother. Mama Dank (his mother) helped his wife care for their first two children until he was able to find suitable housing. In order to provide for his family, he cleaned offices at night while working at the AFB by day. He started with the office of, Dr. Roberson DDS and after people saw his excellent work, five other offices wanted his services. He worked civil service at Holloman AFB for 27 years where he retired at age 52 on, September 26, 1978. He was the Supervisor of the Transportation Division and served as the EEO Counselor. He attended technical training school at Chanute AFB, in Illinois and several other AFB’s. He invented many tools to help improve work processes and received recognition for his ingenuity! His awards and recognition are too numerous to list. After his retirement, he opened his own auto mechanic shop, which remained open for 10 years. 

He and his family joined Owens Chapel AME Church in 1956, where he serviced in many capacities including Stewart and Treasurer. He also sang in the male choir. He moved his membership to New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in 1983. He served his church faithfully as Deacon and Treasurer; however, God blessed him with the Spiritual Gift of Teaching and he used that gift to serve the Laymen’s department and Sunday School until his health would no longer allow him to serve. Throughout his life he has mentored and discipled many, up until his final days. He was a blessing to the Body of Christ!

A few of his favorite songs were: I have a Father who can, I won’t complain, and We will understand it better by and by!

Clifford loved playing board games with his children. He also enjoyed barbecuing, bowling, fishing, and hunting (he was a master marksman) with family and friends. In his later days he found joy in keeping in touch with family and friends around the nation via emails, phone calls, texting and sometimes video chat!

He truly admired Papa Jesse and would tell stories of him often. One of his fondest memories was of him helping Papa build their family home. He said, Papa never called him by his name, he affectionately called him “Boy.” 

He was proceeded in death by his parents Jesse and Effie Holloway Sr.; his wife, Pauline Holloway; four brothers: Jesse Jr., Charles (Sug), Theophilus (Jake), Legus (Billy) Sr., and Eulishus Holloway; three sisters: Virgie (Totsie) Henderson, Dovie (Baby Sister) Vaughn, and Delores (Lois) Collins, Grandsons: Ondre Holloway and Nathan Elijah Berry. 

He is survived by four daughters: Joyce Williams of Alamogordo, NM, Debra Smith of Pearland, TX, Marsha Taylor (Kary) of Mo. City TX, and Angela Berry (Nathan) of Houston, TX; and son: Clifford Len Holloway (Cheryl) of Del Rio, TX; 19 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; and 21 great, great grandchildren, along with a host of devoted nieces, nephews, church family, and friends.

The Lord called him home on, Saturday morning, June 4th, while surrounded by his loved ones!

Services will be Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 308 Maryland Avenue, Alamogordo, NM 88310.  The visitation service will start at 10:00 am and the funeral service at 11:00 am with Pastor Willard L. Avery Officiant.

Burial will follow at Monte Vista Cemetery

The Holloway family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Scenic Chapel to direct the funeral services.

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