Clifton Dexter "Cliff" McElveen

Clifton Dexter McElveen (Cliff), 84, of Matthews, NC, husband of Linda Bruce McElveen went to meet his Lord and Savior on May 19, 2025. Born October 28, 1940, in Lake City, SC, he was the son of the late Manning A. McElveen and Fannie Prosser McElveen. His greatest treasures in this life were his faith, his family and his faithful friends. Cliff had a servants heart whether serving his nation in the US Navy (active and reserves), serving his church as greeter, committee member, building committee chairman, deacon or Stephen Minister. He was active in Christian ministry wherever he was located from South Carolina to Sydney, Australia. He made a profound impact on his family, the individuals he mentored, and the organizations he supported. The Little General was always ready to roll when family called. He was so proud of his childrens, grandchildrens and great grandchildrens accomplishments and loved sharing advice and life skills with them. Friends were many and connections remained strong over the years. Cliff was predeceased by his father, Manning, his mother, Fannie, his sister Rea and his brothers Hubert and Winston. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda; son, Bruce (Cyndy); and daughter, Sheri (Robbie) Cannon; grandchildren; Caroline (Kevin) Brewer; Creighton (Margaret Ann) McElveen; Jackson (Cameron) Cannon; Owen (Elisabeth) Cannon and Noah Cannon; great grandchildren; Adelaide, Abigail and Audrey Brewer and Graham McElveen. One brother; Linwood McElveen (Mary). Nieces; Jeanette Clarke, Wanda Barnes and Fran Gray.Southern Bell - Cliff began his career with the Bell system as a lineman in 1962. Proving to be a natural engineer, he quickly leveraged his Naval electronics training and company course work to become instrumental in Southern Bells migration from analog to electronic switching systems. During this time, he rotated between training and working with Bell Laboratories and digitizing the network in the field. Bellsouth -After the breakup of AT&T, Cliff joined BellSouth focusing on network operations and deployment of fiber optic and data networking infrastructure in the Carolinas. During this time Cliff developed and implemented BellSouths award winning "Customer Steward" program across the 9-state service area. Bellsouth International -In 1991, Cliff was tapped to lead BellSouth Internationals Technical team to build out Australias first competitive telecommunications carrier "Optus". Optus deployed wireless, satellite and fiber optic connectivity across the Australian continent. Cliff was named Chief Technical Officer and eventually repatriated to the United States in 1998 becoming President of Bellsouth s International Network Services.Retirement -Cliff and Linda retired in 2000 to build their dream home on Lake Murray in Chapin, SC. In 2017 they then migrated to a retirement community in Matthews, NC to be close to family.The family wishes to thank the nurses, staff and doctor at WillowBrooke Court at Matthews Glen, VIA Hospice nurses and staff and caregivers from Visiting Angels for making his last days as comfortable and pain free as possible.In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorials may do so to :Saint Hildas Anglican Church c\o The Saint Paul Mission SocietyPO Box 5223, Athens, GA 30604 USAOr: www.sthildasatl.comMilitary Honors will be rendered.
A Gathering of Friends and Family
Saturday, May 31, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Matthews Glen Retirement Community
733 Pavilion View Drive
Matthews NC 28105
US
Celebration of Life
Saturday, May 31, 2025
2:00 PM -
Matthews Glen Retirement Community
733 Pavilion View Drive
Matthews NC 28105
US
Funeral Home
Weddington/Matthews Chapel
3700 Forest Lawn Dr
Matthews NC - 28104
US
704-846-3771 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Clifton, please visit our Tree Store.