Clifford James Sipes

Clifford “Cliff” “Tuff” James Sipes passed from this life into the next Friday, September 15, 2023.

Clifford was born December 18, 1943 in Artesia, New Mexico to James Bedford and Sadie Mary Ellen (Swinford) Sipes.

Clifford’s parents were migrant workers and Cliff lived in several towns throughout elementary and junior high school.

When Clifford was nine, his momma passed away and he eventually went to live with his dad’s sister, Helen (Sipes) Odell.

Clifford went to high school in Artesia, New Mexico and graduated in 1962.

He joined the U.S. Navy in August 1962 and served on the USS Hancock as a Boiler Operator Helper. He was honorably discharged in August 1968.

After being released from active duty, Clifford moved to Freeport, Texas.

In 1966, Clifford met his first wife, Pixie Floyd.

Cliff started working for EJ Lavino Chemical Company until the company shut down and he started working for Gulf Chemical and Metallurgical Company in 1973.  While working there, he gained his nickname “Tuff”.  He worked at Gulf Chemical until his retirement in 2008.          

Clifford met his second wife, Delia (Dee) Ann Cepak Sipes in 1985 at her niece’s wedding. Cliff and Dee were married February 14, 1986.  Dee was the love of his life and he cared for her until her passing on January 30, 2023.

Clifford was a lifetime hunter and he looked forward to hunting season every year.  He also enjoyed offshore fishing, BBQ Cookoffs, BBQ Benefits, cooking, traveling, dancing with Dee and spending time with his family.

Cliff was a devoted husband and father.  He was a kind, generous man.  If you were lucky enough to call him your friend, just know he considered you family.  He had a great smile and a wonderful sense of humor.

Clifford was preceded in death by his parents, James Bedford and Sadie Mary Ellen (Swinford) Sipes; sisters, Vickie Keeney and Carolyn Merritt; aunt, Helen Odell and the love of his life, Delia Cepak Sipes.

Left to cherish his memory  are his children; son, John Olson (Brenda); daughter, Malinda Sipes Crews (Tom); bonus children, Bryan Cepak (Tiffany) and Hope Cepak; 9 grandchildren, Taylor Olson, Erika Sanchez (Stuart), Nick Cockrell (Mary), Robert Cockrell, Kayla Waquespack (Tyler), Valen Cepak, Haden Cepak, Olivia Thom and Annabelle Thom; 5 great grandchildren, Aziel Cockrell, Zabian Cockrell, Nixin Cockrell, Novin Cockrell and Shayne Sanchez; sister, Lynda Imondi (Sharon), along with numerous nieces and nephews that will miss him dearly.

The family would like to thank Angels Care Hospice, specifically nurse Jessica for their wonderful care and support, Dixon Funeral Home for their support and dedication to the family.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Dixon Funeral Home in Brazoria, TX.

A Celebration of Cliff’s life will be 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene, 3007 Hwy 332, Lake Jackson, Texas with Richard Schneberger officiating. Burial will be at Brazoria Cemetery with a meal to follow at Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene.

Final arrangements entrusted to Dixon Funeral Home of Brazoria at 979-798-9113.

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