MSGT (Ret.) Clifford G. Orr

MSGT (Ret.) Clifford Gene Orr was born on March 17, 1948, in Van Alstyne, Texas; Grayson County to the late Robinson and Vera Orr. He departed this life on Sunday May 1, 2022, in Columbia, South Carolina.

Clifford was educated in the Grayson County School District, graduating from Fred Douglas High School, Class of 1967. He attended Grayson County College for one year, then enlisted in the United States Air Force. Clifford retired after 21 years of serving in the Air Force in 1989. Following retirement, he worked for two years at Eastern Airlines. He was later employed as a Correctional Officer for 12 years at the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

Clifford met the love of his life, Gwendolyn "Darlene" Bailey in 1982.  They were married in November of 1987. Clifford loved his wife dearly, so much so that he opened her hair salon, Cheers Hair Salon, in March of 1988 on Decker Blvd in Columbia. After moving the salon's location three times, he finally purchased a building for her on Leesburg Road, where the salon is currently located.  

Clifford was a kind and compassionate person.  He was full of life and loved his friends and family greatly. He gave his life to Christ at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church in Sumter, South Carolina. He later attended Family Worship Center of Columbia, South Carolina. At the time of his passing, he was a member of Jehovah Baptist Church of Elgin, South Carolina. 

In addition to his parents, Clifford was preceded in death by his son Frankie P. Bailey; sister, Kathleen Johnson; mother-in-law, Estelle J. Ivery; and two brothers-in-law, Rev. Earnest Estell and Wayne Ivery.

Clifford leaves to cherish his precious memory, his loving and devoted wife of 34 years, Gwendolyn Darlene Orr, Columbia, SC; son, Roderick (Dianne) Orr of Texas; three daughters, Iranna Orr of Texas, Zamora (Alvin) Gill, and Edna (Theodore) Jacobs, both of Columbia, SC; one sister, Dorothy Estell of Desoto, Texas; three brothers, Robinson (Pat) Orr Jr.; Walter (Carol) Orr; James (Ann) Orr, all of Van Alstyne, Texas; sister-in-law, LaFawn Ivery, two brothers-in-law, Eugene Ivery Jr. and Darrell Ivery, both of Columbia, SC; 10 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends who have joined the family in sharing the grief of his transition. 

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