Charles Cliff Sullivan
April 17, 1956 ~ April 21, 2013
Charles Clifton "Cliff" Sullivan
Cliff Sullivan died at home with family Sunday April 21, 2013. He was 57.
Cliff's family grieves for their loss: His father and mother, Charles D. and Faye Sullivan of Kinston, N. C. His brother Gary and sister-in-law Lois Ann and niece Nikki of La Grange, N. C. His sister Brenda Jongleux and brother-in-law Bob and nephew Daniel and niece Alicia of Apex, N. C. His wife of thirty-four years, Merry Ellen Bell Sullivan of Rocky Mount, N. C. His son William Duff Sullivan and daughter-in-law Amy of Kill Devil Hills, N. C. His daughter Shannon Sullivan Miles and son-in-law Brent of Rocky Mount, N. C. And his five grandchildren: Sky Sullivan, Jenna Marie Sullivan, Rebecca McPherson, Katie Miles, and Logan Miles. Cliff's sister Patricia preceded him in death.
Cliff was born April 17, 1956 in Garner, N. C. He grew up playing backyard baseball and excelling in sports and at school. In 1974 he graduated from North Lenoir High School in La Grange, where he played football and baseball. He worked at a plant farm and a stereo store, nurturing a lifelong love of gardening and music.
Cliff attended North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, N. C., where he was an exemplary student-athlete. Never having played soccer, he tried out and played so well the coaches nicknamed him "Hustle" when they gave him The Coaches Award in 1975. He also played baseball for the college. He was named Outstanding Male Athlete in 1976. He graduated with a B. A. in Political Studies and History in 1978. Even if these were Cliff's only connections to the college, he would be noteworthy.
But friends said that Cliff went to North Carolina Wesleyan College and never left. He started working at the college as an Admissions Counselor in 1979. By 1980 he was Director of Academic Advising and Registrar. In 1990 he earned a Master of Arts in Education from East Carolina University in Greenville. From 1993 to 1996 he was Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs. From 1996 until his death he was Registrar and Veteran Affairs Coordinator. For many of his Wesleyan family he will always be THE Registrar.
Cliff's love for North Carolina Wesleyan College went well beyond performing his job with the highest professionalism and patience. He was a member of the Alumni Board. He was everywhere in campus. He was the most valuable member of a number of committees he served on as Registrar or as a volunteer. "Ask Cliff" was not just a sentence heard around the campus; it was an acknowledgment of his vast and detailed institutional memory and keen intelligence. In 1992 he was awarded The NCWC Distinguished Staff Award.
He also served on the Board of Directors of the Twin County Education Foundation and the Board of Directors of the Children's Education Foundation. He served on committees at both Halifax Community College and Nash Community College.
Cliff enjoyed antique hunting, auctioneering, gardening, sports, beer brewing, cooking, coaching little league and soccer, and reading. He will always be remembered for his generosity and acts of kindness. He and Ellen readily opened their home with warmth and friendship. Cliff was a lot of fun.
The family thanks Cliff's many friends for their help during his illness. His North Carolina Wesleyan College family, especially Rachel Dix, helped raise his spirits and make the family's time easier. The football team did yard work. Many students helped make bracelets to raise funds. They all mourn.
The family also thanks the many staff members at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Nash Health Care Systems, and Hospice and Palliative Care.
A celebration of Cliff's life will be held Wednesday April 24 at 2 P. M. in the Minges Auditorium of the Dunn Center at North Carolina Wesleyan College.
Instead of flowers, the family asks for donations to a scholarship fund set up in Cliff's name at North Carolina Wesleyan College, Advancement Office, 3400 N. Wesleyan Blvd., Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 North Winstead Avenue , Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories, and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
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Wednesday 4/24, 2:00 pm
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Sending our condolences to all of Cliff’s family. Ivy & Les Albertson, Cape Carteret, NC
My heart and prayers go out to Cliff’s family and friends – I worked with him for 5 years, and enjoyed our interaction together – NCWC will never be the same again without him taking charge and keeping everyone straight – he was a wonderful person, and friend. Karen Cardinale
Lit a candle in memory of Charles Cliff Sullivan
Hi Ellen Just want to let you know that we are thinking about you and praying for you. It was a pleasure knowing Cliff for the short while i did. Joyce Parker Daisy Tann
Cliff is Mr. Wesleyan and the wonderful jesters he did for NCWC will live in our hearts forever. I attended NCWC while he was a student and watched him play soccer and baseball. He gave it his all. Later I worked for him at the college. Great boss. He had such a love for his wife Ellen. He also love his flowers-he would often bring us flowers to the office to brighten out day. And I must say he also loved his music! He is now the lucky one-walking with the Lord. We will miss him him and I send my prayers to all of his family. Gail Hargett-Lilly
Prayers to Cliff’s family and friends. May God wrap his arms around you and give you peace and grace during this difficult time. I met Cliff when I entered NCWC and he was a Junior. Always kind and a nice friend. Sandy H. Matthews
Lit a candle in memory of Charles Cliff Sullivan
Lit a candle in memory of Charles Cliff Sullivan
My heart goes out to the family of Cliff Sullivan. Words simply cannot express what an amazing person he was. I had the honor to work with Cliff as a coworker at NC Wesleyan College, and also look up to him as a student at NCWC. Cliff always went the extra mile to ensure that the students were taken care of, things were done in the best manner possible, and he always paid great attention to detail. Cliff had an amazing heart and he genuinely cared about NC Wesleyan College, students, faculty, staff, and spoke often of his love for his family. There will never be another like Cliff!!!
It was truly an honor to work with Cliff and enjoy his sharp wit, wry sense of humor, and keen understanding of what it means to put students first. Besides his formidable intellect, he had a remarkable talent for paying attention to details others missed while never losing sight of the big picture. We will miss him. Ellen, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Jay and Teresa Stubblefield
It is hard to know what to say when someone such as Cliff passes away. As noted in the obituary, he really was committed to NCWC and was the institutional go-to person by both students and faculty. At times he could be impatient when asked questions I should already have known the answers to, but he would hunt the folders or old catalogs and share the needed information. His sharp memory, his intellect, and his organizational skills made him the best registrar and just the right person for Wesleyan. He always asked challenging questions that served to better the campus community. My deepest sympathy goes out to you, his family, whether his campus family or Ellen and his children. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. May special memories comfort you now and in the weeks to come. Barbara Perry-Sheldon
I enjoyed working with Cliff during my time at NCWC (1990-99). The college community has lost a great person and friend. I’m saddened by the news and sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers and my thanksgivings. Rev. Dr. Kirk B. Oldham
In every way, Cliff was the best of North Carolina Wesleyan. I will miss him greatly.
Cliff was in my high school graduating class of 1974 at North Lenoir High School. He was SO very well liked, always full of fun and energy. There were many girls who had crushes on Cliff, as he was such a handsome guy! But mostly, he was a great example of kindness and hard work – it appears from other comments that he continued to be this kind of man in his adult life. Those who knew him are blessed and my heart goes out to him family. Rest in peace, Cliff.
I was so sorry to hear about Cliff’s passing. He was one of the first people that I met when I joined the NCWC family in 1989. We instantly bonded when he realized that we both graduated from North Lenoir and often shared Lenoir CountyKinston memories. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Emonique Wooten-Whitfield
Cliff was a knowledgeable person, a great mentor and an amazing friend. In the 12 or so years that we worked together, he always made a point of helping others, supporting the people around him and, in my case, sharing his knowledge while providing valuable guidance along the way. I will always consider him to be one of my greatest teachers and likely the best Registrar I ever met. More importantly, though, I will remember him simply as Cliff a one-of-a-kind friend with a heart of gold. And I will miss him terribly. My heart truly goes out to his wife and family.
I met Cliff when I first arrived as a student at NCWC. Always kind & patient, he helped me through the college transfer process. My life is better for having known him.
I’m so sorry to hear of Cliff’s death. He was one of the first people I met when I enrolled at NCWC in 1992. He was so nice and helpful to me at that time and each time thereafter when I needed some assistance. My thoughts are with his family and the NCWC community. May he rest in peace.
I consider myself a lucky person to have known Cliff. We had a class together at North Lenoir High School and I can honestly say he was the one that made me look forward to going to class. He was truly blessed with the gift of laughter and kept me entertained. So kind to everyone and very intelligent. Such a bright star to have burned out too soon. Rest in peace my old friend. God Bless and comfort you all. Rose Heath Rouse
Lit a candle in memory of Charles Cliff Sullivan
I lived across the street from Cliff in Cloverdale when we were very young. He and his family were the best of friends to our family. We have not kept up with the family in a long time but we often think of C. D., Faye, Cliff, Brenda and Gary. We had lots of fun laughable moments at home and church. We were truly sorry to hear of your loss. Joy Waters Morgan
I grew up with Cliff, playing army, cowboys and Indians, whatever new game we could dream up. Cliff bears a scar between his eyes with my name on it. We were playing with an old golf club of C.D.’s and I told him to move, I might accidentally hit him. He didn’t believe I would swing that club with such gusto. He has the scar to prove it. I loved Cliff and Brenda and Gary. They were like family to me. I haven’t kept in touch over the years, but the Sullivan family will forever be in my heart. My deepest condolences to his wife, children, and grandchildren, to his mom and dad, and to Brenda and Gary and their families. May God’s peace be with you and comfort you. Margaret Lynch Penny
Faye, C. D., Brenda, Gary and all family members, it is with great sadness that we learn of Cliff’s passing. Such a great loss to his loved ones, yet such a legacy he leaves behind. Even though I do not remember seeing Cliff since he was a young boy, I remember him as being such a sweet, loving child. My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. Though I can not physically be with you today, please know that I am with you in spirit and mind. May you find comfort in knowing that he is now with his Heavenly Father. Rest in Peace Cliff!!
We met the Sullivan’s when we lived in Kinston. To C.D., Faye,Brenda,Gary and to Ellen, and his beloved children, my heart was so saddened when we returned from a trip and learned today that Cliff had gone home. We are so very sorry to have missed the celebration of Cliff’s life yesterday. I especially have fond memories of all the family and considered them my family too. I love you all and you continue to be in our prayers. God bless you and give you His peace during this time. Luther and Stella Ipock
ellie i am sorry… i hope u r doing ok…i wish u had let me know.i never met him but i could had helped u love u bobbi
Death is the age-old enemy, we all meet as our journey end. It is never pleasant, when we loss someone we love. The pain at times, is so heart breaking, that our tears, keep on flowing. (Ps. 3418) Even the perfect man, JESUS CHRIST, Gave way to tears. So greatly grieved was he over the death of his friend, Lazarous. (John 1135) Without fear the way ahead
Lit a candle in memory of Charles Cliff Sullivan