William J. Clifford II

William Joseph Clifford II
October 18, 1971 – November 6, 2024 (53 years and 19 Days)
Will was born to Vicki Leah Jerden and James Michael Clifford (Cheryl). He has four living brothers: James M. Clifford II (Amy), Aaron Brown (Dana), David Wendt (Monica), and Daniel Wendt. He also has many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as an abundance of great friends all over the world. He was with his love - Lynnette Bradshaw Goldschmidt - for over 17 years; they married April 26 of this year. At that point, he became "Step Dude" to Louis, with whom he shared a great relationship.
Will (known as Billy as a youngster) was raised in the Florissant/Hazelwood area. With his blond hair and blue eyes, he was a whirl of energy. He loved playing soccer and was a great student of the subjects he liked and always had lots of friends and a busy social life. To say he was always getting in trouble was a bit of an understatement. In his late teen years, he used his great singing voice with two different rock bands that played around the area.
He had always wanted to be a doctor but when he started college, he was more drawn to sociology and in particular, Egyptology. From UMSL, he transferred to the Egyptology program at the University of Memphis and furthered his studies at the University of Cairo in Egypt where he lived and studied for 18 months. On his first birthday he spent in Cairo, he saw the sunrise from the Great Pyramid, as well as many other adventures there. He even successfully mummified a duck and was subsequently published in an Egyptology Magazine. He traveled all over Egypt and Europe with his backpack and his long blonde ponytail, traveling by train and staying at hostels along the way. Due to increasing education costs (he was only two classes and a thesis away from a Doctorate in Ancient Egyptian Art & Architecture), he returned to St. Louis and to his family. Upon his return, he became a certified and successful IT Systems Administrator and continued in that career.
He was also a die-hard Blues fan - good times and bad! Forever – LET'S GO BLUES! After a time as a sous chef in a prestigious Clayton restaurant, Will loved to cook and was the gourmet chef of the family! And he loved the Star Wars saga, following the books and movies and knew each character and story line. Their Christmas tree was decorated with Star Wars characters. Just a few weeks ago for Halloween, Will was Obi-Wan Kenobi with a grey beard, referring to himself as"Old Ben." When Will became interested in a topic or hobby, he learned all he could about it and became immersed in it.
Will was incredibly intelligent and well-read, and he loved to share his experiences. His wit, humor and storytelling were absolutely amazing. He lived life his own way, on his terms. Will had a big heart and was a devoted husband, son, father-figure to Louis, brother, uncle and cousin as well as a deeply loyal and caring friend. Will was a man of strong opinions. He was loved by all those close to him and will be incredibly missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.