Obituary of Walter Allen Clifford, III

AIKEN, SC: Walter Allen Clifford, III, affectionately known as “Buzz”, 80, of Aiken, passed away May 22, 2023 at his home.

Born December 11, 1942 in Aiken, SC, he was the son of the late Walter Allen Clifford, Jr and Mary Lucille Howard Clifford.

Being the son of Walter Clifford II (multi-instrumentalist) and Lucille Howard Clifford (Pianist) meant Buzz was almost certain to pursue music. Throughout his career he backed, fronted, and supported several national acts such as James Brown, Earth Wind and Fire, Chubby Checker, Chick Corea, Linda Clifford, Spiral Staircase, and many others. He was a long-time contributor to the CSRA music scene and sought to mentor upcoming musicians. He took his role as mentor seriously and many of today’s local musicians launched their careers sitting in with Buzz and his musical family at venues like the Café Du Teau.

Buzz was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Carolee Clifford Snell.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Lucy Clifford Peel (Richard “Red”) of Aiken, Walter A. “BJ” Clifford, IV (Angela), of Aiken and Marc Clifford (Kimberly) of North Augusta; his grandchildren, Chris Matovich, Frank Lock, IV, James David Lock (Joanne), Margaret Clifford, Walter A. Clifford, V, Sarah Clifford and Steven Clifford.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 2:00PM in the chapel of The Historic George Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave, SW, Aiken, SC 29801, with Rev. Jason Hammersley officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow at The Historic Graniteville Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

The Historic George Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com