Buddy Lee Cliff

Surrounded by all of his children, Buddy Lee Cliff passed away peacefully at Avow Hospice in Naples, FL on October 8, 2016. He was 77. Buddy was born May 14, 1939 in Rock Island, IL to the late Cecil William and Florence (McDougall) Cliff. Although Buddy would likely boast that his greatest achievement was raising five children with his beloved wife of over fifty years, Nancy, Buddy Lee was also recognized as a business pioneer and innovator in Southwest Florida for nearly four decades. Buddy was a graduate of Rock Island High School and Saint Ambrose Community College. He married the love of his life, Nancy C. Cliff, on December 2, 1961. Following college and his service in the United States Army, Buddy Lee began his career in law-enforcement where he received training as a finger print analyst and served as an officer for the Rock Island, IL Police Department. Buddy would later join the family business as a professional wrestling promoter before relocating his family to Naples, FL in 1978. In the nearly four decades to follow, Buddy Lee Cliff and his growing family would make Southwest Florida their home. Buddy Lee was a pioneer of light industry in Southwest Florida. An inaugural ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted by Governor Bob Graham, celebrated the opening of Buddy's corrugated container factory in Bonita Springs, Fl. in the late 1970's. For many years to follow, Buddy Lee sought out and encouraged other light industries and business ventures in Southwest Florida. Buddy Lee was a founder, charter member, and former president of the Bonita Springs Rotary Club. At the time of his death, Buddy was the longest serving member of this organization and was recently bestowed an Honorary Membership. He was also active in the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce. Buddy Lee expanded his business ventures by opening The Shipping Station, the first shipping and packaging store in Naples. Buddy Lee and Nancy franchised and operated The Shipping Station throughout Southwest Florida until their retirement. Buddy and Nancy Cliff were founding members of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church where they were active in all aspects of the ministry. Both Buddy and Nancy loved to dance and were often found impressing crowds on the dance floor. Buddy also stayed active by running, skiing, and even rollerblading - he loved to stay up to date on new fitness trends. An avid airplane and helicopter pilot, Buddy volunteered as a pilot for the Sundowners Patrol Club. Buddy had a great sense of humor and delighted in making people laugh with puns and impressions. Buddy lost his life-long dance partner Nancy to Alzheimer's disease on June 30, 2012. Buddy remained active in the community by attending meeting and events hosted by the Widow and Widower's Club and the Solo Singles of Collier County. In recent years, Buddy Lee found renewed spirituality and community with First Baptist Church of Naples where he regularly attended the BLG Bible Study Group. Buddy is survived by his five children, Cary A. (Hope) Cliff, Catherine C. Faerber, Patrick J. Cliff, Constance S. Walters and William D. Cliff all of Naples, FL; one sister, Jeanne Gieger of Florida; and ten loving grandchildren, Morgan, Austin, and Jordan Faerber, Michael and Katherine Post, John Walters, Jacob and Hannah Cliff, Julia Cliff and Lauren Cliff. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother William and his beloved wife Nancy. Funeral arrangements will be held Friday, October 14th at First Baptist Church of Naples. Visitation will be held at 9:00 am with funeral service to follow at 10:00 am. A Catholic mass and burial will be held at St John the Evangelist of Naples at 1:00 pm the same day. Memorial donations in Buddy’s name may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Support Network, 660 Tamiami Tr. North, Suite 21, Naples, FL 34102. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

Buddy Lee Cliff

May 14, 1939 - October 8, 2016