Clifton Diffenderfer Obituary

Clifton Diffenderfer CHARLESTON - Clifton "Buddy" L. Diffenderfer, 88, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Claire Claudette Diffenderfer, entered into eternal rest surrounded by his family Wednesday, October 23, 2024. His Funeral Service will be held Thursday, October 31, 2024, in Martin Luther Lutheran Church, 1605 Harbor View Road, at 11:00 am. Interment to immediately follow in Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in J. Henry Stuhr Inc., Downtown Chapel with Masonic Services to follow upon the close of visitation. Buddy was born June 22, 1936, in Savannah, Georgia, son of Clifton Lincoln Diffenderfer and Evelyn Greene Diffenderfer. He attended Benedictine Military School in Savannah, GA, where he played football and was an excellent student athlete. He was actively recruited by and briefly played football for the University of Georgia and later concluded his education at the Consumer School of Banking at the University of Virginia. Buddy worked for the Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) in Savannah, GA, for several years as a Police Officer, a position he greatly enjoyed. He would later leave CCPD to begin his career in finance and banking. Shortly thereafter, he and his family relocated to Charleston, SC, where he continued to work in this industry until his retirement as Senior Vice President of Southcoast Regional Bank thirty years later. At which time he would trade in his suits, & briefcase for his khaki shorts and his rod & reel. His retirement was short lived however, as he found a new career interest working for Charleston County Parks & Recreation Commission as a Park Ranger at James Island County Park where he would work for the next 13+ years. Buddy was an active member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church where he loved to sing in the choir and had previously served as the President of the congregation. He was a lifetime Freemason of Mariner Lodge in addition to being a member and past President of the West Ashley Chapter of The Lions Club where he actively participated in numerous community activities. Buddy was an avid fisherman and loved spending time on the water. He was a coach for his both of his sons' football and baseball teams. On Saturdays in the Fall, he could be found watching his Georgia Bulldogs play football with his daughter by his side, who will forever be her Daddy's little girl. He was a lifetime fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and spent his evenings watching and playing Jeopardy from his favorite spot, his recliner in his living room. He was handy in the kitchen and so enjoyed preparing delicious meals to share with his family and friends. He had a booming voice and the greatest laugh that would lighten the mood of even the most cantankerous soul in the room and he would always tell the best stories. Above all else, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His family was his priority and he seized every opportunity to be with them and enjoy their company. Along with his wife of 58 years, Claire, Buddy is survived by his daughter, Elisabeth S. Diffenderfer; son, Eric Sutton Wohltman; two grandchildren, Andrew J. Wohltman, Kathryn Claire Sutton Diffenderfer; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his daughter, Lynda D. Wingate; son, James Diedrick Wohltman, III; and his three sisters: Waldeena Steedley, Louise Hensley and Penny Hanes. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Martin Luther Lutheran Church. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.