Clifford Kee

Clifford Kee was born in Peninsula General Hospital in Salisbury, Maryland, on August 3, 1942, to the parents of Matt Lewis Kee and Irma Jane Spence-Kee. At the time of discharge, the doctors recommended that his parents place a puppy in his crib for health reasons, and he and puppy Peggy became lifelong friends.
Clifford attended Worcester High School in Newark, Maryland, where he was introduced to his future wife, Virginia Lee Henry. After graduating from Worcester High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines in June of 1960. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. He then proceeded to Cuba where he served as a rifle and handgun marksman during the Cuban missile crisis, amongst serving other military tours. He served his country well. He left the US Marines with an Honorable discharge.
After serving in the US Marines, Clifford Kee relocated his family to Newark, New Jersey, where he was employed at National Starch and Chemical Company for over 30 years, Newark Board of Education 15 years where he simultaneously worked two jobs to put his children through private school and then Essex County Vocational School System where he later retired.
Clifford was known as the neighborhood mechanic. He was an avid chest player. He loved anything NHRA Drag racing related. He had a serious love for all types of music. He enjoyed spending time with his family and having a great time laughing, having backyard cookouts, and joking with everyone he knew and loved. Clifford was authentically and unapologetically himself. He was affectionately known for the name "Captain Sweatpants" and "Big Poppa" amongst other nicknames. He was an everyday down-home, t-shirt and jeans kind of guy. He was a quick-witted, sharp-minded, and highly independent man with a loud laugh and voice that would carry for miles.
Clifford Kee was a fighter until the end, like a true Marine. On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Clara Maass Medical Center, Clifford succumbed to his medical issues.
He was preceded in death by his beautiful, loving, and devoted wife, Virginia Kee; as well as three brothers and two sisters.
Clifford is survived by his loving children, Miles Henry (Tammy), Deanna Hall, (Angelo), Evangelist Thomisena Kee-Green, Yulonda Kee, Tysha Kee- Pagan (Raymond); his brother, Matthew Kee (Pamela); sister, Floretta Bridell; eight grandchildren, Latoya (Dax), Clifford (LC), Ciara (Johnathan), Michael, Shekinah, Marcus (Brielle), and Justin; nine great- grandchildren, Kimora, Divinity, Love-lee, Nia, Zuri, JayCee, Deliah, Maleah, Wonder, soon to be Cali-sky, and special distinction to his (chipmunks) Theo and Linda Hobbs, and his little brother from another mother Darcy Spence and a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends. Although our hearts are saddened to see him go is an understatement; we can all rest To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Clifford, please visit our Tree Store.