Cecil Clyde Standefer, Jr., age 79, passed peacefully to his eternal home on July 4th, 2024 in Mobile, Alabama. Born on December 28, 1944 in Greenwood, Mississippi and raised in Leland, Mississippi, Clyde lived a life marked by service, loyalty, and family.
Clyde was the only beloved son of Cecil Clyde Standefer and Verna Palmer Standefer. He attended Leland High School, class of '63 where he excelled in tennis, earning letters for his skill and dedication. His love for the sport continued at Mississippi State University in Starkville, where he also played tennis and graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture - Horticulture - Ornamentals.
In 1968, after completing his education, Clyde answered the call to serve his country, joining the Marine Corps. He served honorably in the Vietnam War as an Artillery Liaison Officer. Following his honorable discharge, Clyde began a long and fruitful career with Flowerwood Nursery in Mobile, Alabama. During his years at Flowerwood he worked in all areas of the nursery, including propagation, sales, product development and management. He played a part in the development, distribution and marketing of the Encore Azalea, named for its beautiful reoccurring blooms. His love for flowers and plants showed in his own yard that was scattered with beautiful azaleas, fruit trees and pines. He retired at the end of 2009 as the Facility Manager of Flowerwood's Mobile location. He placed a high value on loyalty during his life, a trait which was reflected in his 37 years of service there.
Clyde made his home on Dog River in Mobile for over 50 yrs., where he indulged in his love for boating and fishing. His family and friends enjoyed visiting him, and many good times were had taking the boat out, grilling, enjoying his deck and balcony, telling stories, and laughing. He owned many boats over the years but his true love was his 46-foot cabin cruiser named "Serenity". He enjoyed giving family and friends tours of Mobile River to see all the thriving industry in Mobile. Often, he spent time just sitting on the deck & enjoying sunsets while docked at The Grand Mariner Restaurant and Marina. He made a whole new set of friends with other boat owners, marina employees, and neighbors, including a colony of feral cats that Clyde faithfully fed every morning and evening. Serenity also served as an extra bedroom for family visits and was the very best room assignment.
Family was at the heart of Clyde's life. He is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Clyde Standefer and Verna Palmer Standefer of Leland, MS and his two sisters, Jane Standefer Steen (Bill) of Hattiesburg, MS and Nancy Standefer Kelley (Alec) of Littleton, CO. He is survived by his four nieces: DeDe Kelley Stramel (Joe) of Windsor, CO; Nancy Steen of Hattiesburg, MS; Cathy Steen Polon (Clive) of Austin, TX; and Susan Steen Wingate (Jason) of Montgomery, AL and step sister, Leet Clark Maggio (John) of Indianola, MS. He is also survived by countless friends, especially Jake Thornton and Cynthia Crenshaw, who were such an important part of his life and so helpful to him during the last years. Clyde was also a beloved great-uncle to six great nieces and nephews and eleven great-great nieces and nephews.
Cecil Clyde Standefer, Jr. will be remembered for his service to his country, his dedication to his work, his love for the water, and his unwavering devotion to his family. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
A memorial service will be held at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home 6040 Three Notch Rd. in Mobile on Saturday July 27, 2024 at 4:00pm. Reception to follow at The Grand Mariner Restaurant 6063 Rock Point Rd. Burial will be in Leland, Mississippi at the Leland-Stoneville Cemetery with a graveside service on Sunday July 28, 2024 at 2:00 pm. Family reception to follow at the Thompson House Inn 111 N. Deer Creek Drive.
Saturday, July 27, 2024
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home
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