Obituary of Clifton Frederick Davis

Mr. Clifton Frederick Davis, Jr. was born on May 11, 1949 on the north side of Omaha, Nebraska. He grew up in a hard working, loving family. A 1967 graduate of Technical High School in Omaha, he was awarded for four straight years of perfect attendance. After graduating from high school, he attended Northwestern College in Iowa, becoming the first in his family to attend college. While a gifted student, Clifton's true passion was music. After finishing up at Northwestern, he packed his belongings and traveled around the country with some of his closest friends, where they shared their love for music while performing. He sang lead vocals in groups like The Duvells, The Showpushers, Loves Private Stock, and Gubment Cheese, eventually earning himself entry into the Omaha Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2007. Relocating to Denver, Colorado in 1976, Clifton continued to call this home for 41 years. In 1978, he was hired as a youth counselor at the Denver Children's Home (DCH). Clifton dedicated his life to positively impacting the lives of thousands of youth. In 2001, the staff and children at DCH honored him by renaming their home court The Cliff Davis Basketball Court. After serving 36 incredible years, he retired from DCH in 2014. Shortly after retirement, in 2016, Cliff earned the Denver Nuggets Humanitarian Award for his endless service and commitment to DCH and the community. Clifton truly lived life to the fullest and demonstrated the deep joy that can be found in simple pleasures such as writing music, playing instruments, singing, riding his bike, and playing basketball. After being diagnosed with cancer, he continued to display an unbelievable amount of courage and strength and proved to be the truest definition of a fighter. Until his very last days, he nourished everyone around him with his love, music, and laughter. After a sudden diagnosis of stage IV esophageal and liver cancer on July 1, 2017, Clifton Frederick Davis, Jr. passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 in Aurora, CO. He was 68 years old. Clifton was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton Frederick Davis, Sr. and Mildred Nina (Munroe) Davis, sister, Virlee Davis and granddaughter, Shanquilla Dunn. Left to honor him and remember his love are his two sons, Clifton Washington and Deitrich Gallion, Sr.; four daughters Tasha Jackson, LaShaia Webster-Grayes, Kisha (Dixon) Artis, and Dominique Davis; fourteen grandchildren; two nieces, Cliffetta and Willa Davis; one nephew, Tony Davis; and many other friends and family who loved and cared for him deeply. Clifton will be remembered as a man who was extremely passionate about his music and who had a smile that could light up even the darkest of rooms. Rest in peace...Clifton