There are condolences waiting approval on CLIFTON's Tribute wall
Celebrating the life of CLIFTON RAY MORSELL, SR.
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
CLIFTON.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for CLIFTON RAY MORSELL, SR.
MR. CLIFTON RAY MORSELL, SR. was born on July 11, 1920, in Calvert County, MD, to the late Mr. Charles Wesley Morsell and the late Mrs. Blanche Bell (Ray) Morsell. He departed this life on Thursday, April 21, 2011.
Clifton attended Mt. Hope Normal School in Sunderland, MD and was a 1938 graduate of Central High School in Prince Frederick, MD. He also attended the Calvert County Veterans Center and excelled in agricultural, veterinary and carpentry skills.
He was an active member of Mt. Hope United Methodist Church which he joined at a young age. In his early years, he was a Sunday School Teacher. Later, after receiving Christ as his Savior, he was baptized at King's Landing Park.
He was drafted into the United States Army/Air Force in 1943, where he served during World War II until January 2, 1946. His induction point was Ft. George Meade, Maryland. He was trained throughout the U.S. in such places as Alabama, Texas, Utah, and disembarked from New York City to the European Theater. Clifton Morsell's unit, under the 15th Army Division and 1963 RD Engineer Aviation Depot Company, saw extensive combat action throughout his tour of duty. Clifton was proud to have served his country and completed the rank as a Tech Sergeant serving in North Africa, Italy, Germany, and France. Clifton received several World War II honors including the Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, and the Word War II Victory Ribbon. On November 13, 2010, he was honored and recognized with a plaque at a banquet sponsored by the Calvert County NAACP as a tribute to the surviving African American World War II Veterans of Calvert County and Washington, D.C.
When Clifton was honorably discharged from military service in 1946, he was still recovering from wounds he sustained in battle during his service, and was classified at that time as a Disabled Veteran. After being discharged, Clifton purchased his own flatbed truck and hauled materials from New Jersey and Baltimore to Calvert County as the owner/operator of his own hauling business. He was later employed by the Maryland State Road Commission in Sunderland, MD until he suffered a serious spinal injury. Later, he was employed at the Bechtel Calvert Nuclear Power Plant and Washington DC Metro Rail System. All his life, Clifton was a farmer and had a great love for farming, raising tobacco crops, gardening, attending cattle, horses, and other livestock on the family's farm.
His family and friends remember him as a man who was proud to share his World War II stories about his experiences and travels. Clifton's children recall his love of reading, especially reading the Bible and discussing the Bible with family and visitors. His children fondly remember how their Dad and Mom spent time with them, the cousins, neighbors and friends playing soft ball, volley ball, checkers and dominoes. They also remember how Dad and Mom used to always carry a pack or two of "Juicy Fruit" chewing gum, but Daddy would only give each of them a half a stick of gum.
Clifton's infamous hat and cap collection were reflective of the many roles he played throughout his life. Clifton was full of life, love, opinions, and a sense of humor known only to him. Clifton was a very caring, honest, and devoted father who always stressed the importance of education. Clifton had two famous sayings, "Boy, don't be nobody's fool!" and "See my point." He devoted many hours working with his children to complete homework. He especially liked mathematics. He was a genuinely respectful and mannerly father and friend, who was always willing to give a helping hand at any time of day or hour of night. His generosity extended to the point that in the dead of winter, with snow on the ground, he would allow friends and neighbors to back their vehicles up to his wood pile because they were short on wood. As a courageous man, he fought and overcame many adversities because his faith in God was steadfast. His wish was that his family would somehow grow stronger in God and bind in loving harmony.
Clifton was joined in holy matrimony to his "Sweetheart" Mrs. Mary Evelyn (Gross) Morsell on November 6, 1946. They affectionately called each other "Honey." They remained in this blessed union for 48 years, until Mary's death in 1995. From this blessed union, seven children were born. His memories will be deeply cherished by his devoted children, who lovingly referred to him as "Dah." His friends knew him as "Clip and Cliff."
From the union of Clifton R. Morsell, Sr. and Mary E. Morsell, he leaves to cherish his loving memory six children: three daughters - Mrs. Delores Hicks (Thomas, Sr.), Ms. Mae Morsell, and Ms. Oreal Morsell all of Sunderland; three sons - Mr. Clifton Morsell, Jr. (Selena), Mr. Timothy Morsell, Sr. (Dale), and Mr. Michael G. Morsell, all of Sunderland. Clifton is survived by his devoted and caring sister-in-laws: Mrs. Helen Parran of Chesapeake Beach, MD and Mrs. Lillie Morsell of Huntingtown, MD. Fourteen grandchildren, twenty-three great-grand children and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends who also cherish his memory. He will also be missed by a special cousin Mrs. Martha Green, and "adopted daughter" Lorra Rhodes Hobbs, and a special family friend Calvergia Parish.
He was preceded in death by his sisters: Mrs. Gladys Herbert and Mrs. Alice M. Carter; brothers, Mr. Charles Dunbar' Morsell (Mary H.), Mr. Thomas Tom' H. Morsell (Louise), Mr. Benjamin Morsell, and Mr. Henry Morsell; daughter: Helen Divine Morsell (infant), and grandson: Rhandell Clifford Adams (infant).
Some of Clifton's special friends included: Mr. Robert Gantt' Booze, Mr. Daniel Brown, Mr. Lemuel Bubba' Coates, Mr. Charles Collins, Mr. Norman Pap' Gray, Mr. Freddie Holland, Mr. Norman Hurley, Mr. Oscar Jones, Mr. Eddie Nick, Mr. Charles Penn, Mr. Richard Sharps and Mr. Harry Williams. Clifton will be dearly missed by his entire family and friends.
Cemetery:
Mt. Hope UM Church 145 Dalrymple Road Sunderland, MD, 20689 on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 (map/driving directions)
Visitation:
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Mt. Hope UM Church 145 Dalrymple Road Sunderland, MD, 20689 on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 (map/driving directions)10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Dunkirk Baptist Church 11275 Southern Maryland Boulevard Dunkirk, MD, 20754 on Thursday, April 28, 2011 (map/driving directions)
Service:
11:00 AM at Dunkirk Baptist Church 11275 Southern Maryland Boulevard Dunkirk, MD, 20754 on Thursday, April 28, 2011 (map/driving directions)
