Jack T. Clift, 100 years old, of Madison, passed away Friday at his home. Jack was born in Decatur, Georgia. He graduated from Boys High School and Georgia Tech where he was a member of the track team. He graduated with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Army during WWII serving in the 11th Airborne Division in the Pacific Theater from 1942 to 1945 attaining the rank of Captain. He was instrumental in the liberation of the Philippines where he was deployed behind enemy lines and was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Air Medal, among others.
After leaving the military Jack moved his family to Madison where he began farming with his uncle Frank Clift. He lived in the same house, where they reared their four children, for 74 years. He has actively been involved in farming since 1946 including bush-hogging as recently as August 2019. He and the Clift farm have been recognized numerous times including being designated as an Alabama Heritage Farm, an Alabama Century Farm, and Alabama Conservationist of the Year. Jack was also active in the Madison City Government serving as City Councilman in the 1960’s. Jack, along with his wife, Lillian, worked actively on an ongoing basis to improve the overall quality of life in Madison. He has been active as a member of First Baptist Church of Madison since moving to Madison where he served as a deacon. Jack, and Lillian, were founding members of the Auburn University Talon Society. He was also a generous philanthropist donating to many charitable causes and efforts.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Lillian; sister, Carolyn Anderson, and grandson, Ernest Kilgore. Survivors include his sister, Martha Brooks; children, Charlotte Campbell (Jonathan), Jack Clift, Jr., Kathleen Steigelman (Terry), and Anne Clift; grandchildren, John Clift, Scott Kilgore, Laura Beth Barnes, Amy Lynn Baker, Julie Clift, and Joshua Clift; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.
Visitation will be from 11:00 to 12:30 Monday, Dec. 9th, at First Baptist Church of Madison, 4257 Sullivan St., Madison, AL 35758. The funeral service will follow at 12:30. Burial will be in Madison City Cemetery.
The family wishes to give special thanks and gratitude to caregivers Melisa Gooch, and Ernestine Johnson for their dedicated love and compassion in caring for Mr. Clift.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
