Cecil Clyde Standefer, Jr., age 79, passed away peacefully 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 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 graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture.
Clyde answered the call to serve his country, joining the Marine Corps in 1968. He served 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. 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 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. Clyde was also a beloved great-uncle to six great nieces and nephews and eleven great-great nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home 6040 Three Notch Rd. in Mobile on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 4:00 pm. 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.