Clifton Bryant Medders

Clifton Bryant Medders passed away peacefully on May 26, 2023, at the age of 77.  A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Ray Funeral Home in Cleveland, MS starting at 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

 Clifton was born on August 11, 1945, in Rosedale, MS to Auburn and Emma Medders Sr. Clifton was a teacher at the Vo-Tech West Bolivar School District for over three decades and had made a lasting impact on the lives of his students. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in his early years of education.

During his lifetime, Clifton accomplished numerous things with grit and determination. It is worth mentioning that he was one of the founders of the Rosedale Ambulance Service in 1967, which was the first public ambulance service in Mississippi. He had a significant role in establishing it and playing an integral part throughout his entire life. Clifton also served in the United States Army and was one of the first registered EMTs in the whole country. He was actively involved in boy scouts and helped many young men receive their Eagle Merit Badge.  

Clifton will always be remembered as a true southern gentleman who never had anything negative to say about anyone, and all the ladies loved him. He was Rosedale's handyman and could fix anything with just his bare hands. Clifton's hobbies included hunting, fishing, and playing golf.

Family gatherings were important to Clifton; he cherished every moment spent with his family members and friends for whom he deeply cared for.

He is predeceased by his parents, Auburn and Emma Medders Sr.; son, Clifton Byrant Medders; brother, Auburn Medders Jr.; sister, Linda Faye Runnels; and his loyal pet Mauser.

Clifton is survived by his loving & long time companion, Mary Joure; children, Melissa Weeks (Mark), Priscilla Wade, William McKinney, Edgar McKinney, Chelen McKinney, and Louisa McKinney Orwick; grandchildren, Amber Permenter, Hannah Weeks, James Terry, Mallory Cooper, Jaydyn Farris, Owen Medders, Katherine McKinney, Charlie McKinney, Jennifer McKinney, McKenzie McKinney, Yasmin McKinney, Martha McKinney, Mia McKinney, Sylvia McKinney, and Jackson Orwick; sister, Gale Walt; brothers John Allen Medders (Mary) and  Ed Pookie Medders  (Lydia).


Clifton Bryant Medders was a man with a heart of gold that touched many lives during his lifetime. He will be sorely missed by all those who had the good fortune of knowing him.

Memorials can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or M.D. Anderson.