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Will Radcliff
1939 - 2014
Will Radcliff
1939 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1939
DIED
2014
Will Radcliff Obituary
His daughter DeeAnn Radcliff Harmon said Radcliff died Thursday in hospice care after his health declined following a recent fall.
Radcliff was a natural salesman who once peddled vacuum cleaners door to door and earned a six-figure income from selling peanuts.
"He had a bigger-than-life personality," his daughter said Friday. "He could sell anything to anybody."
Radcliff had spotted a slush machine at a 1970 Chicago trade show and saw the possibilities of icy sweet drinks that could be made for a few pennies. He thought the sound of icy crystals hitting the cup, the smell and taste of flavorings and the texture pleased all the senses.
The family story goes that he, sister Phyllis and their mother, Thelma, sat on a front porch drinking beer and writing down possible names on a brown paper bag before agreeing that Slush Puppie was the best candidate. It would become represented by a toboggan-wearing, floppy-eared dog.
Cherry, grape, orange and lemon-lime were among the earliest flavors. Sales boomed and business spread, with Slush Puppie machines becoming a staple in many convenience stores. Distributorships from Australia to Africa made Slush Puppie global, and London-based Cadbury Schweppes PLC bought the Slush Puppie Company in 2001.
Radcliff also had a frozen cocktail business, among other business operations.
Harmon said her father's first regular job was shining shoes at a country club, and he later kept a vow to return to the club someday as a member.
Radcliff owned a 4,000-acre (1,620-hectare) ranch in Umatilla, Florida, and worked for land conservation amid central Florida's growth, his daughter said. He had a Lear jet he piloted himself many times, she said.
She said he had many favorite sayings that guided his life, such as "Where there's a will, there's a way," ''If it ain't fun, to hell with it," and "Once you break through the clouds, it's always sunny."
Willard Lawson Radcliff was born in Dayton, Kentucky. He is survived by his daughter, son Chris Radcliff, a brother and sister, and four grandchildren. Mueller Funeral Home of Mason, Ohio, is handling arrangements.
---
DAN SEWELL, Associated Press
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
79 Entries
Scott Chamberland
April 18, 2015
Rest in Peace
Ralph Peters
November 7, 2014
Will was the most amazing person I have ever known. Full of brilliant
ideas, always cheerful and smiling, never a bad word about anybody.
He took my hand and led me to the treasure chest known as SLUSH PUPPiE.
My family and I enjoyed a better life through Will's influence. I am
really privileged to have counted Will as a dear and close friend and to welcome him at my home and family business in England on numerous occasions.
He will be greatly missed by all his family and everyone who ever met him.
He did say "When you break through the clouds the sky is always blue".
Sincerely. Ralph Peters
RP & RW
Ralph Peters
November 7, 2014
How you can show support
Brian Pratt
November 2, 2014
I worked for a distributorship(Adirondack Slush Puppie Mayfield NY) and was fortunate enough to have met Will and had several one on one conversations with him. He was a great man an a inspiration to me. He will never be forgotten and truly missed.
November 1, 2014
I grew up drinking “Slush Puppies”, so to speak… reading about Will Radcliff, makes me admire the way he came up with the idea, and his determination to make it real. He never gave up to his dream and always looked at things with a positive view…I want to also join others to express my sincere sympathy to the family, specially his Daughter, for their loss. I only understand how hard it is to loose someone you love… in your process of healing, may God grant you all the strength and comfort to help you deal with your sorrow…
October 15, 2014
I offer my sincerest condolences to the family. "... may the God who supplies endurance and comfort" be with you, and help you to endure this troubling time. (Romans 15:5)
October 2, 2014
I grew up enjoying "Slush Puppie" drinks. I admire Will Radcliff determination, he came up with the idea, and didn't stop until he made it real. I want to also join others to express my sincere sympathy to the family. I understand how hard is loosing a loved one. In your process of healing, May God become your Stronghold and that He also grant you the strength to deal with your sorrow.
Barb Broering Gwinner
September 30, 2014
My condolences to the Radcliff family. Willy and I were friends during our teen years. We would go to the Elder/West High football games every Thanksgiving day. I have in my diary that he bet me .25 that West High would win. I collected the .25 at the game! He would always call me for my birthday....he said he remembered because it was a day before his mom's birthday. I remember him, even as a teenager, to be hard working. He had a concession stand at the Makatewah Country Club. We always had fun and I will never forget my special friend. Rest in peace Willy.
Luke 23:43
September 29, 2014
It is always a pleasure to read of someone's successful business venture. Will's story should be encouraging to the many college graduates who are unable to find adequate work in their hard earned discipline. First of all, Will was industrious. He was also a salesman at heart. He showed that he could think out of the box by envisioning an idea that would attract buyers. A small, simple idea became a multimillion dollar revenue. At a time when our economy is not fairing well and unemployment has soared, Will Radcliff's life story is one to study carefully and emulate. Surely such a man of vision was able to picture himself in the promised Paradise.
May Nelson
September 28, 2014
Will..may you rest in peace and know that you have left behind a great legacy of family, friendships, giving and lots and lots of Slush Puppies. I'll always remember the kindness you showed our family and especially showed us as kids! Thoughts go out to Chris and DeeAnn and their families!
Jackie Schurger
September 28, 2014
Deepest sympathy to the Radcliff family, his dear friends Ron and (my dear friend), Sharon O'Rourke. Will was a great guy, totally unassuming, always smiling, sensitive to others' needs. My husband, Paul, loved him until his death in 2005. Such a short lift for such a wonderful person. The World will miss Him. God bless you all. RIP "Wilbur"
Julie Palanci
September 28, 2014
Sending thoughts/prayers to you, Deann.
Julie Palanci
Ann Flanigan
September 28, 2014
Thinking of the Radcliff family today. I have many fond memories of my 9 years at Slush Puppie. Working there made a huge impact on my life.
Susan Jones
September 28, 2014
Thank you for your beautiful gift and great talent of inventions I send my sincere sympathy and condolences
Ray Kennedy
September 27, 2014
Will and I were friends in Grade School, Boy Scouts, High School and beyond. I couldn't ask for a better friend. I'm so sorry that we lost him. Heavens gain and our loss.
A staff member of The Christ Hospital
September 27, 2014
Every time I drink a slush puppy I will aways remember your face Will.May you rest in peace.
michelle plakas-kaiser
September 26, 2014
rip
September 26, 2014
will was a swell guy,i worked with him at Revco Dist(Compact Vac)haley Corp (Haleys Comet Vac and Thomas Candy. He always had something god to say abut everyone
Bob & Cloris White
Ron & Muriel Fox
September 25, 2014
We met Will Radcliff as a frequent guest at our Fox Den Country Inn in Umatilla, Florida. He immediately seemed like a lifelong friend. He was a very humble, friendly unassuming guy, who we discovered to our surprise was a multi-millionaire.
Any doubt about Will's sales ability is resolved by the fact he sold the State of Florida the majority of the development rights to his 4,000 acre ranch in Umatilla for purpose of conservation. He retained, other than development uses, the entire property and guaranteeing that the fraction of the ranch he retained full ownership of was surrounded by some of the most pristine undevelopable real estate in central Florida. Any person who could make such a deal could make six figures selling peanuts and millions selling crushed ice. Will Radcliff was such a person. We all should live by his motto “If it ain't fun, to hell with it”.
Paul Schamer
September 24, 2014
So sad to hear of Will's passing. Our families were great friends in the early days on Weron Lane and our mothers kept in touch until my mother passed away some years ago. Please accept my sympathies and those of my remaining family, Bob and Margie Schamer, as you say good-bye to such a great guy.
Jayne Eaton
September 24, 2014
I still can't believe Will is gone. His energy and humor will be missed by all of us. A real loss to the Keating family. Our deepest sympathy to everyone.
September 24, 2014
My sympathy to Mr. Radcliff's family. May you cherish your many memories and time spent together. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Robbie Barrow
September 23, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear about Mr . Radcliff i really enjoyed taken care of him he was a nice kind Man an he will be miss..i would never forget when i get to his home he say come right in Rock in Robin make yourself at home..we shared some good times..and he will truly be Miss..
Connie Jenkins
September 23, 2014
DeeAnn my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow. From the wonderful thoughts that was written shows that your father Mr. Radcliff was a well loved man, and brought many wonderful memories to these ones. DeeAnn you can draw comfort in knowing that God is for you a refuge and strength. A help that is readily to be found during times of distress. Please cherish the lifetime of memories you have shared with your father and they too will help you through this time of distress.
September 23, 2014
Chris, DeeAnn and Family,
Please accept our condolences on the loss of your dear loved one. We will keep the family and friends in our prayers. Talk to God who is the Hearer of prayer-PS.65:2
Donna Sykes
September 23, 2014
So sorry for the passing of your Father, Chris. Even though I didn't know him, I heard of him from Mark, your best friend. May God be with you and yours at this sad
time and know that he is now at peace with the Lord.
Donna Sykes
m c
September 23, 2014
So sad to read of Mr Radcliff's passing. As evidenced by the many entries, he was a positive influence on many people. You could not be around him for any length of time and not feel good about something and leave with a smile. I should know because I only met him once when he needed some help and I never forgot him. Blessings and condolences to his family and friends on the loss of such a wonderful man. Keep his memories alive and live a happy, loving life.
September 23, 2014
DeeAnn and Chris,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad's death. It is always so hard to lose a parent.
Linda Miltner and family
September 23, 2014
I was very sorry to hear of Will's passing. A friend of mine sent me the obituary from the New York Times and knew the relationship. My father and Will were partners in crime. I had many opportunities to see Will when he visited my father in Boston and I relished everyone of them. Will was a very unique guy and someone you were not likely to forget. Over my years, I can count on two hands unique people that I remember. Will is one of them. I remember him as smart, funny, always moving and shaking, but most of all caring and always took time to connect with me as a young adult and then an adult. He knew how to work a room. After my father passed away, Will was very attentive and interested in my mother and me and my siblings. He became a confidant and continued as a friend. My condolences to the family. A saving Grace is he will be with his Buddy and God will only know what they are up to.
Bob Garber ( Paul's Son )
Vh
September 23, 2014
To the family and friends of Mr. Radcliff yo have my deepest sympathy for yor loss. I Loved slushes they remind me of the snore ball I ate as a child. May mr Radcliffe sleep I peace until awakened by our Lord Jesus as he di Lazarus.
JANICE B
September 23, 2014
My sorry and sympathy , to the famiily please let the god of all comfort , Comfort the family in their time of distress . this passage is comforting ROMANS15:33
September 23, 2014
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. Death of a loved one is never easy, but know that you have the support of family and friends that are there for you to help you through this difficult time.
John H
September 23, 2014
To the Radcliff Family; please accept my deepest sympathies. Will was a caring man who was deeply loved by so many. The world is a lesser place without him.
September 23, 2014
May the Almighty God of comfort be with the Radcliff family and friends at this time of deep sorrow.
Ron Pitman
September 22, 2014
Will Radcliff was a friend dating back many years. I am sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed.
Will and André- Paul Garber award
Jean-Rock Beaudoin
September 22, 2014
Dear Phyllis, Roger, DeeAnn and Chris,
The following is to send along our deepest respect and condolences to the whole Radcliff family in regards to the passing of Will last Thursday.
Will was an exceptional salesman, visionary, motivator and of course, a friend.
Slush Puppie, the product, the company, ``the family`` changed and shaped a huge part of the last 40 years of our lives and we are very grateful for all the good times and the 4 decades of important financial benefits that came along with Will's vision and ideas.
Even though I only saw Will a handful of times during the last decade, I remember each time like it was yesterday. He was truly one of a kind.
I would have been present Sunday at the service but due to my limited capability to walk and my general diminished health, the trip would have simply been too hard for me to bear and Jean-Rock is out of town on business with a Slush Puppie distributor. Paul Pageau, our Vice-President for over 25 years who knew Will and several within the Slush Puppie family, will be flying for the service on Sunday and will be representing our family and the company.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as we remember Will fondly and all that he represented to us.
Sincerely yours,
André and Jean-Rock Beaudoin
Dan Laine
September 22, 2014
My memories of Will Radcliff where of a generous and funny man.
Rest in peace.
Sandy Miles-Ledford
September 22, 2014
My deepest sympathy to your entire family. May God bless.
Gregg Emmer
September 22, 2014
My condolences to the Radcliff family. Will was one of the more interesting people I had the pleasure of working with years ago. His memory will live on.
Larry Moore
September 22, 2014
Our most deepest condolenses. John 5: 28,39
CAB SpA Maurizio Caiano
September 22, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Marguerite & Richard Staud
September 21, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
G J.
September 21, 2014
To the entire family. Please accept my condolences. He was such a very talented industrious gentleman. May the peace of God be with you all in this time of sorrow. Rom 15:33.
a.m
September 21, 2014
with deep sorrow john 6:28,29
Joanne Dauer
September 21, 2014
My prayers and condolence to Will's family. To Phyllis and Roger that I had the privilege of knowing and spending time with at many Distributor meetings. Will's dynamic personality and unique approach to humor, the drive for perfection in his accomplishments has left lasting memories in all of us that help grow the "Fat Slush Puppie Logo" that exists today. Thank Will! You were a great mentor!
Jim Redmond
September 21, 2014
My thoughts are with the family. I will never forget the good times.
Katherine Mills
September 21, 2014
Please accept our condolences for your loss. As you reflect on cherished memories, be comforted and strengthened by God's word. [Isaiah 12:2 and Romans 15:4]
Amy Chandler
September 21, 2014
My thoughts are with all of you in this time of mourning. I am sure the emotions are mixed: the grief and loss with the memories that make you smile. I remember the egg rolls, the "new house," his laughter and charm as he greeted me as a child. I hope he has found his new great wilderness. I hope each of you, DeeAnn and Chris especially, feel support and peace and love as you honor and remember and grieve.
Amy Chandler, and family
September 21, 2014
My deepest condolences to the Radcliffe family. He was truly a man dedicated to his work and really cared about people. May you be comforted by many cheeked memories and God's love.
1 John 4:8,16
Robert Ostertag
September 21, 2014
All I can say is a heartfelt thanks to a man who was so good to me. Always treated me well, was kind and inspiring.Treated me and my wife to a fabulous trip , that I will never forget,in the plane that I loved just to be around. I was a small contractor who worked for Will and he always treated me with respect. I was always in awe of his drive and attitude, it was catching. I am so glad I knew him and his family. I am so sorry of your loss. I pray that he is happy with The Lord . Thanks Mr. Radcliff for all the memories .
L B
September 21, 2014
Blessings to family and loved ones.
So proud to read about this Kentucky boy.
He is with you always.
L B
September 21, 2014
Blessings to his family and to his loved ones.
So proud to read about this Kentucky boy.
He is with you always.
Mike P
September 21, 2014
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Will you were a great teacher.
Beverly Meyer- Abel
September 21, 2014
I was saddened to hear of Will's passing. My deepest sympathy goes to Phyllis, Roger, DeeAnn and Chris. I got my first exposure at working in a business office at Slush Puppy/ Thomas Candy. I have never forgotten the lasting impression that first venture gave me. Work hard and enjoy yourself while working. Will and his family made the office a fun place to go. RIP
Joyce Radcliff Seymour
September 21, 2014
I know that Will is with my daughter Kary
she is showing him around his new world.
He laid her to rest, Roger and I were in no mental condition. He was strong
person,I could never thank him in enough for taking care of her.Give Kary
a big hug from her mom.
September 21, 2014
May you have peace and comfort from God who supplies all. (Romans 15:33)
Angelo Giso
September 20, 2014
My most heartfelt condolence to your family. My dad was the Rhode Island Slush Puppie distributor for many years. Will was not only a wonderful professional to deal with but also a true friend. During August of 1996 Will made a call to my dad to say he would be in the Boston area and wanted to stop by to see my dad, this was well after my dad had retired. Will was gracious enough to welcome us on the jet for a site seeing tour. To this day I have a picture of Will and myself in front of the plane. Growing up Will made many impressions on me all positive and important, for that I am truly thankful. Again I am truly sorry for your loss.
Amy Ortiz
September 20, 2014
I offer my sincerest condolences to the family. "... may the God who supplies endurance and comfort" be with you, and help you to endure this troubling time. (Romans 15:5)
Kate Janszen-Phelan
September 20, 2014
My deepet sympathy to Phyllis, Roger and the children and grandchildren of Will Radcliffe. I worked at Slush Puppie Corporation in the solar energy building he built on the hill with the heat elemented street so his employees would never have a tough time getting to work in the snow and bad weather. He was a fabulous boss and he had 2 great sidekick helpers to get the job done. His personality was so dynamic. I was there for the grand opening with the chef Will flew in for the day and it was a one of a kind day just like Will. RIP
Floyd Rivers
September 20, 2014
21 For since death came through a man, resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. 22 For just as in Adam all are dying, so also in the Christ all will be made alive.
Chanell
September 20, 2014
To the Radcliff Family, I know at this time its hard for you because death is never something to get used to, especially in regards to someone you love. I hope the memories you've shared keeps you comforted but more importantly, draw close to God in prayer for he will give you the power beyond what is normal to cope.
peter day
September 20, 2014
will was a great salesman. he inspired all of us to do better and to always be positive. his infectious personality was always uplifting. I'm sure he's selling something today! in his words if it aint fun the hell with it! he'll be missed.
Cynthia
September 20, 2014
May the God of all comfort be with the family of Mr . Radcliff.
Hart
September 20, 2014
Our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Radcliff's family. May our Heavenly Father, the God of comfort and tender mercies be with you. With deep sympathies
Brad Gailey
September 20, 2014
To Will's family and friends I am very sorry for your loss. Will built a great business. The foundation of Slush Puppie is it's distributor network which he built one distributor at a time. When I first started selling Slush Puppie I asked him how he use to sell Slush Puppie machines. I was young and nervous just trying to have a conversation with the Founder of Slush Puppie. He looked at me for what seamed like a long time then proceeded to tell me in detail for the next 45 minutes how he did it. The key was having multiple pens, getting a pen in the store owner's hand, filling out the agreement no matter what objection he had, and getting him to sign the agreement. I still use this approach on every sales call I make. That 45 minutes he spent with a young inexperienced salesman helped me on my way to owning a Slush Puppie Distributorship a few years later. Thank you Will I will never forget you and will always have a few extra pens with me!
September 20, 2014
My condolences to the Radcliff family. I pray the family finds comfort in knowing that God cares and wishes to bring peace and love in your heart through his Word. -Paalm 50:15
September 20, 2014
Please remember that you're not alone and that you're surrounded by people who love you and care for you.
Carol B
September 20, 2014
So sorry for your loss. May your family find strength in God and comfort in His love. My deepest sympathy to you.
Kim
September 20, 2014
My sincere condolences. Rest assure that the void you feel will eventually be eradicated. ( Is.25:8) .
Scott Chamberland
September 20, 2014
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
Wanda
September 20, 2014
Our deepest sympathies to the family of Mr Radcliff. As you remember him all all he's done, may your memories always bring smiles to your faces and comfort to your hearts. Please know, God is a refuge and strength - Psalms 46
Dawn Palmer
September 20, 2014
My condolences to the Radcliff family. We thank Mr. Radcliff for his refreshing contribution to our lives. How refreshing is a slushy on a hot day! May God give you the strength to cope at this difficult time (Isaiah 57:15).
September 20, 2014
I offer my sincerest condolences to the family. "... may the God who supplies endurance and comfort" be with you, and help you to endure this troubling time. (Romans 15:5)
Sherry Denis-Wilsn
September 19, 2014
Words are hard to find and say when we loose a loved one. To Will's family, God bless you all and may he wrap his arms of grace around you and hold you close with his love. I will miss Will dearly. I can still hear his laugh and see him in my mind. I am who I am today party because of Will. He leaves me with wonderful memories of a big family of Slush Puppie distributors. My father, who is now passed on was also a friend of Will's and between the two of them, no woman could ask for better business mentoring. I miss you Will, and I will always cherish our talks and the laughs and tears that we shared. God keep you and may you rest in peace my dear Friend.
Mimi & Jerry Lerner
September 19, 2014
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mimi and I first met Will over 40 years ago and I still remember the first time I met him at Capronee's Restaurant. My life was enriched as a direct by product of his friendship.
Laverne
September 19, 2014
Be comforted in knowing that God is with you during this difficult time and
that there are friends that also share your sorrow with you. I find Psalm
121 to be very comforting during these times.
J. Lewis
September 19, 2014
How many of us have not ever had a "slush puppie" ? Not very many, I'm sure. I'm know that the Radcliff family will missed their loved one. Such a loss may bring tears and pain. But, it was never God's intention for you to experience the loss of your dear loved one. Please find comfort and peace in God's promise that He will soon undo all the things that cause heartache and pain, including sickness and death. May your hearts be filled with hope as you reflect on the words found at Hosea 13:14 and Psalms 37:29.
Michaels Garris
September 19, 2014
To the family, I'm sorry for your loss. I hope that these words at Isaiah 33 : 24 can help you through each day.
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