Clifford Ray McMurry's Obituary
Clifford Ray McMurry passed away at the age of 80 on January 18, 2023 after a 6 ½ year courageous and determined journey with cancer. Cliff was born in Centerville, Iowa to Juanita and Haldean McMurry. Cliff graduated from Seymour High School and began living his passion of farming near Promise City and around Wayne County. Cliff married Arlene Couchman on April 3, 1961 and they welcomed daughter Teresa and son Tracy to their family. Cliff's farming operation included hogs, cattle, row crop and hay. Cliff and Arlene farmed for 25 years before moving to Grinnell in 1985 where Cliff worked for DeKalb Seed and later as a welder at Donaldson Company. After Arlene passed away in 1996 Cliff slowly moved forward with his life. Cliff married Sandy Hampton in 2001 and they later built a home near Oakland Acres. After retiring from Donaldson's, Cliff loved working part-time during the planting and harvest seasons for Key Coop in Grinnell for 14 years and up until November 2022.
Moving the "large rock" from a field into his back yard was something many in the community and his family will never forget. Cliff had the ability of many things whether it be a mechanic, a welder, or a fabricator. He enjoyed building and tinkering on different things. He will be remembered for the beautiful oak trash cans and the wooden swings he built and that many of us will continue to cherish. Cliff will also be remembered for his hard work ethic, determination, integrity, sense of humor and his willingness to always lend a helping hand. Cliff served as an Exalted Ruler at the Grinnell Elks for a short time. Cliff was a good storyteller and his stories always started with "I'll relate to you". Cliff enjoyed maintaining an immaculate yard and garden. His family always looked forward to he and Sandy's home-grown green beans at every family get-together. Cliff enjoyed playing Farkle with his grandchildren and Old Maid with his great-grandchildren. You could find Cliff early some mornings having coffee at A & M Restaurant in Grinnell where they named a sandwich "The Cliff" after him.
Cliff is survived by his wife of 21 years, Sandy, daughter Teresa (Tim) Roberts of Granger, Tracy (Michelle) McMurry of Seymour, stepdaughter Amber (Steve) Smith of Shirley, AR, stepdaughter Danielle (Richard) Prince of Center Ridge, AR, brother Mike McMurry, Centerville, sister Cheryl (Jonnie) Fetters, Seymour.
He is survived by grandchildren Bailey (Tyler) Griffin, Waterloo, Ashley Kaster, Seymour, Jarrett (Jessica) Sheets, Waukee, Brandi (Dylan) Kasper, Seymour, Hogan Rockhold and Avery Rockhold of Oskaloosa, Cole Prince and Reese Prince of Center Ridge, AR. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Greyson, Knox, and Bode Griffin, Kydon and Maverick Kaster, Sophie and Adeline Sheets, Ila Kasper.
Cliff is also survived by brother-in-law Randall Couchman, sisters-in-law Mary Lou (McMurry) Riley, Sharon LaFollette, Sherral (Roger) Mamer, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Holding a very special place in Cliff's heart was their dog, Lucy.
Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, wife Arlene, brother Dave McMurry, parents-in-law, sisters-in-law Kay Couchman, and Sally McMurry.
Visitation will be held Monday, January 23, 2023 9:00-10:30 AM at Thomas Funeral Home in Corydon, Iowa. Funeral services will held on Monday, January 23, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Thomas Funeral Home in Corydon, Iowa. Interment will be following service at the Coryon Cemetery in Corydon, Iowa.
Flowers may be sent to Thomas Funeral Home or contributions can be made to a memorial that will be determined later by the family.
The family will be holding a Celebration of Life on Sunday, January 29 at the Grinnell Elks, 720 Third Avenue, Grinnell from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Clifford's Funeral Service will be live streamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/clifford-mcmurry
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