Clifford "Cliff" Patrick

Clifford “Cliff” Howard Patrick, age 81, passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2024, from complications of a fall. He was born in Cherokee County, SC on January 17, 1943, to Claude Bryan and Sarah Frances McCook Patrick.

Cliff earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Clemson University, graduating with high honors. He went on to earn master’s degree from Clemson, two PhDs from Duke University and a went on to teach at the University of Tennessee and at University of SC. Cliff absolutely loved being on college campuses and participating in the academic lifestyle.

He went on to do post-doctoral work at John Hopskins Hospital and eventually worked with Dr. Anthony Fauci, of whom he called a friend. In his retirement, Cliff worked with the Veterans Administration and the United States Treasury and was proud to say that he could see the White House from his office windows. He also assisted many nonprofits in the area as a gifted grant writer. 

Cliff was a former Legion Commander of the Spartanburg Lodge and a former officer of the Spartanburg Shriners. He served as a Deacon in the Baptist Church while living in Vienna, VA and was a dedicated member of Fernwood Baptist Church.

His family will miss him greatly and he leaves behind his wife of more than 25 years, Martha Skelton Patrick of the home, children; stepchildren: Mollie Kirby (Michael Vigo) of Houston, TX, and Dr. Joel Nichols (Laura) of Franklin, TN; nine grandchildren, sister; Ginny Mabry of Gaffney, SC; seven nephews, three nieces, and special cousins, Meldra Williamson Harris Panchelli, Larry Harris (Cathy), and Bunny Conine (Clyde) all of Milledgeville, GA.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, John M. “Mickey” Patrick and a sister, Bryan Parker. 

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 9, from 12:00 – 12:45 at Fernwood Baptist Church, 200 Fernwood Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307, and his funeral service will begin at 1:00pm in the sanctuary. The burial will follow the service in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Rev. Matthew Johnson will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be sent to Fernwood Baptist Church.