William E Clifford's Obituary
William Edward Clifford (Bill) was the first son of Lydia Fern Hougas and Oswald William (Ozzie) Clifford. He was born on October 8, 1932, in Morris, Illinois, before the family moved to a 10-acre farm in Carbon Hill. After the death of his father and during the difficult years of the early 1940s, Bill and his siblings spent time in a children’s home in Maywood, a suburb of Chicago. Once Lydia was able to care for her children again, the family reunited in Chicago and later returned to Morris, where Bill grew up surrounded by the steady love and support of his grandparents.
Family would always remain at the center of Bill’s life.
Bill attended East Rockford High School in Morris and Harrison High School in Chicago. Although he did not complete his studies there, he later returned to school after settling in California in the early 1960s, receiving his high school diploma while attending Chabot College. He valued education deeply, recognizing its importance not only to his own success but also to the strength and future of the nation.
Bill was deeply civic-minded and took great pride in volunteering at local voting stations, often serving as a lead marshal. He never missed an opportunity to participate in the democratic process and was always happy to sit down with anyone who wanted to learn about voting and why it mattered, especially young people casting their ballots for the first time.
Bill loved all sports. As a young man in Chicago, he swam and played basketball at the Boys Club, an experience he credited with shaping him into the man he became. He also played football on a team known as the MOTs (Men of Today), though others jokingly referred to them as the “Morons of Today,” a nickname Bill always found especially amusing. He remained active throughout his life, playing softball into his 50s and bowling in leagues well into his 80s. Golf became his passion for more than 25 years, until recently, when he was no longer able to hold his clubs.
In 1952, Bill married Dolores Akramovich. Together they had six children: Theresa (Terri), William Jr., Debra (Debi), William (Billy), Richard (Rick), and Greggory. William Jr. passed shortly after birth. In March 1961, Bill and Dolores, along with their four oldest children, moved from Chicago to Hayward, California, making the cross-country drive with Bill’s close friend Leo Chappa and his wife Olga, who was pregnant with their first child. Bill and Leo were tasked with opening a new plant for the Samuel Bingham Company in San Leandro, where rubber rollers for printing presses were manufactured. Bill retired from Bingham in February 1980 after more than 20 years of service.
In his early working years, Bill held a variety of jobs, including making chicken wire at Ware Brothers, producing gut strings for tennis rackets, and working at Bloomers Chocolates alongside his father-in-law, George. After retiring from Bingham, Bill began a second career at Raychem in Menlo Park, where he again retired after 20 years of service.
Bill and Dolores divorced in July 1972. Despite difficult times, they remained friends throughout their lives. Dolores passed away on June 23, 2017.
On April 23, 1973, Bill married Carole Payn at Knight’s Landing, officiated by the local Justice of the Peace. While planning their wedding and getaway, they did not anticipate the added challenge of being married on Easter weekend. Together, Bill and Carole were devoted parents and stepparents, loving all of their children equally. For more than 50 years, they hosted the family Christmas gathering—joyful occasions filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories. Rarely did anyone miss this annual tradition, which continued even after Carole passed away on May 15, 2012.
Bill was a deeply focused individual. Working with a radio playing was nearly impossible if he was trying to concentrate. He lived by the motto, “Measure twice—or more—but cut only once,” and took it seriously. Everything had its place, clutter was not tolerated, and every chore had a right way to be done—usually Bill’s way. He also made a point of staying well informed, faithfully reading at least one newspaper cover to cover each day.
Bill loved to travel and truly lived life to its fullest. He explored Florida and Arizona with his brother Gordy and Gordy’s wife, Lin. He went horseback riding along the beaches of Washington with his granddaughters, ziplining with family in Hawaii, riding the London Eye and the Star Observation Wheel in Melbourne, Australia, and spent his 83rd birthday snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef—proving age was never a reason to slow down. An avid golfer, Bill played courses in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, across several Hawaiian islands, and in Ireland with his best friend and longtime golfing partner, Bill Eastwood. His travels and love of golf resulted in a cherished collection of golf balls from around the world, each with a story attached.
Each year, Bill planned a return trip to Morris for the Hougas Family Reunion. In 2025, he was especially proud to arrive with the largest group of West Coast Cliffords ever to attend—a feat he considered both a logistical triumph and a personal victory.
Bill also enjoyed attending spring training with Gregg’s family and enthusiastically cheered on both the Chicago Cubs and the Oakland A’s. A lifelong Cubs fan, he got his first tattoo, a Cubs logo on his shoulder, in 2009, unveiling it to his family at Christmas. After the Cubs finally won the 2016 World Series, he celebrated the long-awaited victory by getting a second Cubs tattoo on his other shoulder.
More than anything, family was the center of Bill’s world. He never turned away an opportunity to welcome new members into the family or into family celebrations. Over the years, he proudly accumulated innumerable “bonus” grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bill delighted in every grandfather-granddaughter breakfast, lunches with his great-grandchildren, and any dinner that involved family and friends. He looked forward to every baseball, basketball, soccer game, and graduation he could attend, cheering enthusiastically for the youngest members of the family. He very rarely missed a graduation.
At 93 years young, Bill Clifford had a remarkable zest for life. He cherished his family and embraced all the bonus sons and daughters he gathered along the way. He never met a person who wasn’t a friend by the end of the conversation. Bill believed strongly in women’s rights, had no tolerance for prejudice, and supported causes he believed in through both his actions and his generosity. He was one of the most loving, honest, and generous men you would ever hope to know.
Bill was preceded in death by both wives, his sons William Jr., William (Billy), and Richard (Rick), and his son-in-law, David Varner. He is survived by his brother, Gordy (Lin) Clifford; daughters Terri (Stan) Salstrom, Debi Varner, and Josie Clifford; and son Gregg (Janet) Clifford; along with stepdaughters Sue Patton Clifford and Amy Conduit. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many beloved bonus sons, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Internment will be held at Chapel of the Chimes, 32992 Mission Boulevard, Hayward, California on April 24, 2026 at 11:00 am, reuniting Bill and Carole while celebrating their 53rd wedding anniversary. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local women’s shelter, food bank or Boys & Girls Club.
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