Clifford Ray Frank Davis
Clifford Ray Frank Davis, 39, of Salem, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, in the hospice ward at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Clifford was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, on September 7, 1984.
Clifford was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2013. For the first six years of his diagnosis, Clifford continued to fight and was very active in the Multiple Sclerosis Alliance of Virginia (MSAV). His mother, Debbie, lost count of the number of MSAV events she carted him off to in those years. However, Clifford was homebound to a recliner or bed for the last five years. Ultimately, he lost his will to fight the disease in healthy ways. He became a different version of himself than his family knew, but remained his loving self in others. He went into the hospital on August 13, with acute pancreatitis. He spent four days in ICU and five days in the hospice ward. Clifford refused all medical care there besides comfort care. He knew his quality of life would not increase by receiving surgery for the pancreatitis, and he wanted to die.
As a child, Clifford loved the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Scooby Doo, both of which he carried with him into adulthood in the form of his beloved tattoos. He also loved sweet tea, game shows, and movies. However, Clifford’s first love was music. He played the trumpet in the Glenvar Marching Band. His love of music continued throughout adulthood, with two of his favorite groups being Widespread Panic and the Dave Matthews Band. He attended as many concerts as his schedule and finances would allow, over 500 concerts over his short thirty-nine years. As Clifford lost his mobility, his father, Stan, took him to numerous concerts where there were accessible entrances. Clifford left behind a vast collection of ticket stubs, posters, concert art, and band t-shirts. All of those items were donated to the MSAV and will be used to raise money to further the research of Multiple Sclerosis.
Clifford is survived by his parents, Charles Stanley and Debra Davis of Salem, Virginia; as well as by his sisters, Melanie (Dana) Beland of Lennon, Michigan, and Maria (Bryan) Johnson of Salem, Virginia. He also leaves behind six nieces and nephews. Clifford is also survived by his paternal grandparents, Clifford (Jean) Davis and Alma Davis; as well as multiple aunts, uncles, and cousins. A special thank you to John and Brenda McDaniel, who helped very heavily with Clifford’s day to day care; and to the Fort Lewis EMS staff, who lost count of the number of times they had to come to the house to help get Clifford up from falling.
Clifford was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Ray and Shelby Bailey; as well as his uncle, Philip Harris; and aunt, Missy Bailey.
Clifford requested cremation, and did not want a service. John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home & Crematory in Salem, Virginia, will be handling the cremation. Contributions can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Alliance of Virginia at 431 Apperson Drive, Salem, Virginia 24153 or https://msallianceofva.org/. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.
