MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Those who knew Clifford Stockton said he will truly be missed and there was no one else like him.
“An elegant, gracious, uncommonly spiritual human being,” said Roby Williams, the head of the Black Business Association in Memphis. “We miss him. God we’re hurting. We’re hurting today — all of us.”
It is not easy losing someone who meant so much to a city.
Stockton is remembered as the first African-American to serve in upper management at the Memphis Chamber of Commerce.
“There had not been an African-American who worked at the Chamber, but they were looking for someone who had class, knowledge, wisdom and who was accepted by all,” Williams explained.
Williams said Stockton brought in big business to Memphis over the years. The Chamber credits him for attracting and expanding major companies like Williams Sonoma, Delta Airlines and Nike.
“He did so much work, and he was always attempting to be low key about it,” said Williams, who was also Stockton’s friend. “He did not take bows. That’s one of the most important things about him.”
Joe Blind, as many people called Stockton, was well respected and unique. Friends said while no one is perfect, they want Stockton’s family to know he came pretty close to it.
Stockton leaves behind a wife, three sons and a loving family.
“Thank you and your family for sharing him with us for all these years,” Williams said. “He’s a great one. He will be missed.”
“Mr. Stockton inspired four generations of leaders and has been a calm voice of reason for our city,” said Phil Trenary, the president and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber. “Thousands of Memphians can thank Cliff for their jobs, and he has improved the quality of life for all of us.”
