Clifton Leverne Small, age 71, of Wilmington, NC passed away on Monday, March 22, 2021 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC.

He was born on March 24, 1949 in Horry County, SC to the late Benjamin Clifton Small and Beulah Pridgen Small.

Clifton was in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He served as a firefighter for the city of Wilmington Fire Department and later became a volunteer firefighter for Sea Gate VFD and Wrightsville Beach Fire Department. Clifton was also a member of Sea Gate Baptist Church. He was an Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 26 at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church and a Scoutmaster for St. Andrew's On-the-Sound Episcopal Church. Clifton was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a bright light to many people and will be missed dearly.

Clifton is survived by his wife, Evelyn Small; son, Christopher W. Small and wife, Dianne; daughter, Barbara Small Iverson and husband, Kelly; sisters, Dalma L. Small, Mildred Bishop, and Clarinda Irwin and husband, John; mother-in-law, Jean Rackley; and grandchildren, Amber Small, Hunter Small, Kayla McLaughlin and husband, Anthony, and Kassi Iverson.

Clifton was preceded in death by his sister, Clarissia Cobb; brother, Jimmy Lee Small; and great-granddaughter, Kayleigh Narron.

A graveside service will be held at Oleander Memorial Gardens in Wilmington on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 11am with Pastor Mark Garner officiating.

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Quinn McGowen Funeral Home – Wilmington

910-794-7171