Clifford Gassett called to eternal rest
Clifford Alexander Gassett, the eldest of 10 siblings, was born on Jan. 7, 1936 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. to the late Homer and Julia Gassett.
Clifford was educated in Broward County Public Schools, graduating from Dillard High school in the class of 1954. He attended Kentucky State College where he earned a Bachelors Degree in 1960 and pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He also obtained a Masters in Education from Florida A&M University.
Clifford was united in marriage to his high school sweet-heart, Vivian Middletown in 1959 and this union was blessed with two children: Cindy and Barry. Vivian and Barry both preceded Clifford in death.
In 2008, Clifford was united in marriage to Theresa Mckinzy of Ft. Meade, Fla. Clifford joined a blended family with her three sons: Reginald, Jarett and Jeraemy Gillis.
Clifford transitioned from this life to his eternal home on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015.
Professionally, Clifford enjoyed 35 years of dedicated service as an educator. He began his career as a teacher in Ft. Pierce, Fla. He continued his career with the Broward County School Board, serving as a classroom teacher, guidance counselor and retiring as dean at McArthur High school in June of 1996.
Clifford was a man of character with great convictions and a man of God. Born and raised in Mt. Hermon AME Church, he served as a trustee and was a faithful member until his death.
He was an avid football and tennis fan, and faithfully followed the Indianapolis Colts and the careers of Venus and Serena Williams. An avid reader, he read two newspapers from cover to cover every day, watched major news channels to keep well informed of political and social issues past and present.
Affectionately called “Rudy” by his friends, he faithfully supported Dillard High School financially, by regularly at-tending football and basketball games, and convening monthly Class of 1954 meetings at his home for many years until his death.
The consummate financial supporter of his alma mater, Kentucky State College and Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Clifford attended homecoming every year since graduating, including October of this year. He faithfully attended fraternity meetings, various local functions and national conventions until his death.
Clifford loved and collected music of various genres, enjoying artists from Nat King Cole, James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Charlie Wilson, Aaron Nevell,Sade, Michael Jackson to Mary J.
Left to cherish his memories are a devoted wife, Theresa; one loving daughter, Cindy Rogers (Jeff), of Durham, N.C.; two grandsons, Brandon and Tyler Rogers of Durham, N.C.; three stepsons Reginald and Jeraemy Gillis of Fort Lauderdale, Jarett Gillis of Charlotte, N.C.; one brother, Clinton (Christine) of Miramar, Fla.; six sisters: Albertha Bryant of Plantation, Fla., Elouise Campbell, Estella Allen (Neal), Jearline Hall, and Earline Dubose of Fort Lauderdale, Connie Taylor of Tallahassee, Fla., and a host of family members and friends.
