Edward Statten Radcliffe Sr., 97, the youngest of six children, was born Sept. 9, 1921, to Charles Washington and Mary Elizabeth Roberts Radcliffe in York County. Edward attended Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army Sept. 29, 1942, in Richmond during World War II. He served in the battles of Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland Central Europe. He received Good Conduct medals and was honorably discharged Sept. 21, 1945, at Fort Meade, Maryland. He was employed for 32 years as an ordnance mechanic at the Naval Weapons Station Yorktown.
Edward was a proud, intelligent, humorous, hardworking and responsible husband and father. His personal character was projected upon his children and others, and he encouraged everyone to give “your best” at all times. He was not strict, however, you were expected to obey. His famous words were, “I will help you if you are helping yourself.” He also loved God, which was evident from the numerous books, papers and the Daily Guideposts that surrounded him in his home.
Edward, being the perfect mate to his wife, Eula, supported community activities within the political arena, as well as scouting and various religious endeavors. He was a strong advocate for seeking different avenues of focus beyond his home community. He loved the Grove community and strived to ensure that the community was able to provide opportunities to and for the youth to enhance their success in life.
He was also a staunch supporter of education, both formally and in life. He did not want his children to make mistakes. However, if they did, he encouraged them to learn a life lesson. “Mr. Ed” was a friend to all and a mentor to many. He always had a kind word and/or an insult for you, which meant that he lovingly cared.
Those who truly loved him and preceded him in death include his parents; siblings, Harold Philander Knox, Grace Radcliffe, Doris Washington and Marion Parker; and his second son, Edward S. Radcliffe Jr. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 52 years who was the love of his life, companion, and friend, Eula Gay Wynn Radcliffe.
Edward leaves the following family to cherish his life and legacy, children, Glenn Darnell Radcliffe Sr. (Patricia), Charles Morgan Radcliffe (Yvette), Whalen Alonzo Radcliffe (Wilhelmina), Rosalind Eloise Dodd and Van Kevin Radcliffe (Michelle). He was a loving grandfather to Kimala Nicole Pettiway, Dana Denise Anderson-Radcliffe, Dana Elizabeth Radcliffe-Harris (Nathan), Damon Statten Radcliffe, Glenn Darnell Radcliffe Jr. (Monica), Kevin Darnell Byrd, Anitra Magdalene Radcliffe, Edward Freeman Radcliffe (Latasha), Demetric Lamont Radcliffe, Danielle Emma Radcliffe, Karina Michelle Radcliffe, Jerry Jr., Angela, and Dennis Dodd and Tawanda Dodd-White (Jamar). He was a great-grandfather to Leigh Ashley Eula Petttiway, Nooriya Radcliffe, Nathan and Ava Harris, Madeline, Charlotte and Grayson Radcliffe, Jaylen and Mekhi Byrd, Kaila Peake-Radcliffe, Bryson Radcliffe, Shania, Shianna, Shawn and Wrori Dodd, Victoria Dodd, Corey Hatchett, Layla Brown, Noah, AaLiyah and Izaiah Dodd, Purnell Sykes, Jameson and Jonavin Welsh; along with great-great-grands, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends.
Mr. Radcliffe may be viewed from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, May 31, at Whiting’s Funeral Home. A funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 1, at Little Zion Baptist Church. Interment with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. Family and friends will assemble at the church at 10:30 a.m.
Share online condolences with the family at Whiting’s Funeral Home.
