Clifton B. Thaw Jr.

1940 - 2020

Clifton B. Thaw Jr.

Parsonsburg - Clifton B. Thaw Jr, 80, of Parsonsburg, passed in the company of family on December 11, 2020. He was born on February 24, 1940 in Springfield, PA to his late parents, Clifton B. Thaw and Ruth Miller. Clif was the husband of 30 years to Karen A. Thaw.

Clif moved to the Eastern Shore at a young age. He spent his summers enjoying the beach and sailing in Surf City, NJ. He attended Wicomico High School and Perkiomen Prep in Pennsburg, PA. He was an athlete in school as a member of the track and wrestling teams. He later briefly attended college, including Washington College and Wesley College. Prior to completion of college, Clif joined the US Coast Guard Reserve. Clif started his career in banking with Commercial Credit in Salisbury. After a brief stint working for his father's company in petroleum sales in Georgia, Clif returned to the Eastern Shore as a banker with Truckers & Savings Bank, today known as PNC Bank. He quickly rose to Branch Manager and served in this role for many years. During his time at the bank, he met Karen, whom he wed in 1990.

From a young age, Clif had an interest in horses. He started with hunters and jumpers riding at the Fruitland Hunt Club and showing in the local area. He transitioned to western quarter horses and then ultimately to driving. He was successful in all disciplines with many year-end championships, including the Haflinger National Men's Driving Champion for multiple years. With his years of expertise, he trained many riders. His students remember him for the life lessons he shared. As a member of the Pittsville Lions Club and through his love of horses, he ran the Pittsville Lions Club Horse Show for 20 years. As a Lions Club member, he served as Past President, long-time Treasurer, and a recipient of the Melvin Joseph Fellow award. Clif was also Director, Past President, and Hall of Fame Member of the Combined Eastern Shore Horse Shows Association.

In addition to his wife, Karen, Clif is survived by his two sons, Rand (Kelly) Thaw and Kurt (Melanie) Thaw; grandchildren, Chelsea Thaw, Brian Thaw, Carley Thaw, Emily Thaw, and Zoe Thaw; Step-sons, Jeffrey (Vicki) Wootten, David (Nancy) Wootten; step-grandchildren, Jarrod Wootten, Heath Wootten, April Chiarello, Deborah Kramer, John Cooney, Dustin Burton, Caitlin Burton, Abbott Wootten, Rachael Wootten; numerous step-great-grandchildren; siblings, Bill Helmuth and Penney Thaw; numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Clif is preceded in death by his step-son, Todd Wootten.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, a Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.