Clifford Tolbert

Clifford Leon Tolbert was born on March 6, 1951, at home in East Albany, Georgia, to Clarence and Willie Marie Tolbert. He was one of eight children—seven boys and one girl—and was the next-to-youngest of the family.

Clifford attended Dougherty High School and graduated in 1966. In 1972, he began his career with Procter & Gamble, where he dedicated 27 years of service before departing in 1998. After leaving P&G, Clifford pursued a lifelong passion by following in his father’s footsteps and becoming a full-time, self-employed painter. Painting was a trade he learned from his father at a young age, and he took great pride and joy in continuing that legacy.

In 1973, while visiting Atlanta at the age of 22, Clifford had a chance encounter with 17-year-old Sonja Lee. From that moment, he knew she was the woman he would marry. The two were united in marriage in 1981, and Sonja later moved to Albany to begin their life together. Their family grew with the birth of their daughter, Ashley, on October 10, 1983, followed by their son,Alan, on November 17, 1987.

Clifford embraced life with enthusiasm and enjoyed traveling to destinations both near and far. He treasured time spent with family and friends and was an avid bowler in his younger years.He also loved fishing and looked forward each year to deep-sea fishing trips to Florida with friends, as well as fishing in local lakes and creeks. One of his favorite traditions was bringing home his catch—though he never quite understood why Sonja was less enthusiastic about cleaning and cooking the fish he proudly reeled in.

More than anything, Clifford will be remembered for his love of family, his strong work ethic, his sense of humor, and the lasting relationships he built throughout his life.

Clifford leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memory his devoted wife, Sonja; his daughter, Ashley; his son, Alan, and daughter-in-law, Kimberly; and his beloved grandson,Brayden. He is also survived by his brother, Sam, along with a host of nieces, nephews,extended family members, adopted family, dear friends, and former classmates.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Willie Marie Tolbert; his sister; and five brothers.

Though he will be deeply missed, Clifford’s legacy of love, laughter, hard work, and devotion to family will live on in all who knew him.