Birth Date: 02/04/1930
Deceased Date: 09/26/2023
Burnice Clifford Hargrove, age 93, formerly of Erwin, was called home by his Lord and Savior on September 26, 2023.Clifford was born February 4, 1930 to Burnice and Ruby Hargrove of Erwin, NC. He was one of five children and the last of the family to leave this Earth.
Clifford enlisted in the US Army in March 1951. He was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma as part of an Artillery training unit. Specifically, he trained new recruits in the operation of the 155mm Howitzer. In March 1953 Clifford received an honorable discharge from the Army and transferred to the Army reserve immediately thereafter.
He married JoAnn Stephenson in 1954 and they were together 68 years until her death in December 2022. Their love was rare and one for the ages. They were two peas in a pod. As they got older you never saw one without seeing the other.
Growing up in Erwin, North Carolina, Clifford dropped out of school in the ninth grade so he could help his parents support the entire family. However, to better himself and his family’s prospects, years later he went to night school at Broughton High School in Raleigh and earned his high school degree.
Clifford worked for the State of North Carolina for 30 years in the IT department with the NC Department of Revenue. Beginning as a bit of a hobby that turned into a second job, Clifford repaired home appliances. After retiring, he went all in and opened a Maytag appliance store in downtown Cary.
Clifford enjoyed camping and took the family on many memorable trips to the beach, multiple state parks, the mountains, and Florida.
In their Cary neighborhood, Clifford was well known as the neighbor that would drop what he was doing to help others.
Clifford is survived by his children, Jennifer Hargrove Bonestell (Kyle Bonestell) of Raleigh NC, Gordon Clifford Hargrove (Sherry Hargrove) of Garner NC. In addition, Clifford is survived by two grandchildren Neil Bonestell and Emily Hargrove. He also has one great-grandchild Aidan Bonestell. Additionally, he is survived by his dog Charlie who is cared for by Sherry and Cliff Hargrove.
B. Clifford Hargrove was a quiet, humble, polite and gentle man who loved his family, friends and church unconditionally. He will be missed by many.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday September 30, 2023 at Erwin Memorial Park in Erwin, NC beginning at 12:00 noon.
Condolences may be made at www.westanddunnfh.com
West and Dunn Funeral Home of Erwin is honored to serve the Burnice Clifford Hargrove family.
