Dr. Aubrey Radcliffe

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Michigan State University

Aubrey Radcliffe Obituary

Dr. Aubrey Radcliffe Dr. Aubrey Radcliffe, longtime resident of East Lansing, MI, passed away March 26, 2009 at the age of 75. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he received his bachelors degree in Political Science from Youngstown University. He received both his master's degree in Guidance and Counseling and his Ph.D. in Administration and Higher Education, at Michigan State University. He was a trustee emeritus at Michigan State University. Dr. Radcliffe was the first, and until 2005 the only, African-American Republican elected to state-wide office in Michigan. He fought for divestment from South Africa while serving on the board from 1973 to 1981. A few of the highlights of his involvement and contribution to the community include, being a longtime program director of Michigan Wolverine Boy's State, performing candidate screening for the West Point Military Academy for Senator Carl Levin, his active membership in the Rotary Club, his honorary membership in the Delta Upsilon International Fraternity and coaching youth baseball for many years. He spent the majority of his professional career as a guidance counselor at Sexton High School always going above and beyond to assist countless students achieve their career goals. Throughout his life, Dr. Radcliffe was dedicated to helping young people do great things. Prior to and after retirement, Aubrey enjoyed many hobbies, including tennis, golf, horseback riding, billiards, bowling, weight lifting, skiing, and reading. Aubrey Radcliffe was an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was an active member of the Lansing Ward of the church located in East Lansing. He enjoyed his association with the members of his congregation and the missionaries of the church and was beloved by them. He is survived by his children, Richard and Deborah and his grandson, Brooks. A memorial service will be held in his remembrance on Saturday, April 11, 7:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 431 E Saginaw St., East Lansing, Michigan.

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Published by Lansing State Journal on Apr. 4, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Aubrey Radcliffe

14 Entries

Heather H. Harris

November 22, 2021

My father, Ned Harris and Aubrey were good friends. Although I don't remember much as I was 3 or 4, I do remember his kindness, his laugh, his presence in my life. When I think of him, and read about his life, I feel positive and wonderful things. Strange as that may sound, it's true. He made that much of an impact on me. I am sorry for your loss, and that the world lost such a beautiful soul. Thinking of you. H3

Jo Ann Wingfield

April 29, 2009

I knew Aubrey in the 70s when we were both young and had the world by the tail. He loved to surprise and be surprised by words and ideas.

He had a kindness in his eyes that made him approachable and easy to talk with in spite of his status. I saw him "hold court" in the old Union grill and show the same gallantry and courtesy to deans and busboys alike.

I'm sorry he's gone and grateful to have crossed paths with him even for a short while.

John Brown

April 20, 2009

My deepest condolences on the passing of Dr. Radcliffe. He made a profound and positive impact on my life at Delta Upsilon and Michigan State University, way back in 1980. The world is a little smaller without him in it.

Jody McCulloh

April 13, 2009

Doc was a mentor to me. Actually he was the older brother I never had. We talked on the phone two or three times a week and would always kid one another when we didn't return each other's calls. I was out of town and called his house daily. I thought he was out of town or away on business. I just found out Doc passed away. He was proud and excited about his involvement in his church. We talked about how he had found a church home. He was a man who stood strong for what he believed.
I am blessed to have had the opportunity to call Dr. Radcliffe (Doc) my friend.

Neal Barncard

April 10, 2009

Aubrey loved to sit and talk about young people and how he served them, his days at West Point, anything having to do with MSU, the Republican Party and most of all he would talk for hours about the Church he loved to call his own. He loved to sit and talk to the Missionaries that served the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We will all miss Elder Radcliff as our Brother in the Lansing Ward. God be with you till we meet again Brother Radcliffe....

Lena Wood

April 9, 2009

Dr. Radcliffe was my councelor at Sexton all 4 years I was there. I truly enjoyed his company when I met with him, and his advice he gave was from the heart. My parents moved to charlotte my Junior year and I didnt want to transfer schools so I moved in with my sister which was Everett's district. The district said I had to pay tuition fees to attend Sexton because I was no longer in their district (this was before school of choice). Well being a teenager I couldnt afford to do this and spoke with Dr. Radcliffe. He went to battle for me to be able to stay at Sexton with no fees and got it approved (thanks again because I truly loved my time at sexton and wouldnt trade it for nothing). This is just one of the ways he touched peoples lives. He sure was the jokester and had a great personality. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family during your time of loss. He will be missed.

April 8, 2009

Dr. Radcliff made a difference in so many young lives. He too was my guidance counselor and spoke to the woman I wished for and wanted to be. He helped me set up a do-able game plan for success. He had the knowledge, contacts, sense of humor (outrageous sometimes) and especially belief in youth. He was the bridge to college, adulthood, and living one's dreams. I will miss seeing him at the MSU basketball and football games. A great man who be missed. Jennifer F.

Freddie DuBose

April 8, 2009

Dr. Radcliff was my counselor at Walter French Jr. High. He served as a mentor, and friend. I appreciated how he challenged his students to dream big and pursue their goals with conviction. We spent many days discussing politics, higher education, travel and sports. I am thankful to God for the positive influence he had in my life. He will be missed by many.

April 6, 2009

DR.RADCLIFF WAS MY COUNSLOR AT LANSING SEXTON HIGH SCHOOL IN 1988 HE WAS A VERY NICE CARING MAN WITH HIS STUDENTS . HE WAS A VERY SWEET PERSON.

Lydia Runkel

April 6, 2009

My first years as a counselor I worked with Aubrey. He was an interesting and caring man. He often spoke of his children whom he adored. I appreciated his guidance and will miss him.

April 4, 2009

DR. Radcliffe was a wonderful man. He was my Guidance councelor at Walter French Jr High in 1996. He was exceptional with his students.

Michael Collins

April 4, 2009

Dr. Radcliffe was a great friend. I helped him run for Congress in 1980. We attended many MSU sporting events together until I moved to Colorado. I spoke with him just 2 weeks ago. I will always remember him. He was in the waiting room when my daughter was born and was one of the first to hold her. I'll miss you Aubrey. You we're one of a kind.

Sheila (Henrizi) Thurston

April 4, 2009

Mr. Radcliffe was my counselor at West Junior High School in the mid-1960's. He was always "cool" and didn't display the disciplinary air that most teachers had. Kids listened to him and therefore he helped many kids get on or stay on track. Thanks Mr. Radcliffe!

Mary Ellen Sheets

April 4, 2009

Aubrey and I served on the Michigan Freedom Foundation together for several years. He was always so cheerful and had such valuable input. I thought the world of him and am very saddened at his passing.

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