Clifford ‘Cliff’ Wooten

Clifford (Cliff) Wooten died at his home on February 20, 2025 at the age of 80. Cliff was a

satellite engineer with an unconventional path to the field. At 17 he dropped out of high school and joined the Marines where he specialized in electronics and communications. He was honorably discharged after achieving the rank of Corporal.

He went on to work with weather satellites at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. After NASA, he entered the corporate world and worked with communications satellites. He designed earth station equipment, repaired antennas, performed complex calculations to control satellite movement, and ensured adequate communication between the satellite and earthbound antennas.

He also ensured the health of the satellites while in orbit. He traveled the world to set up equipment and ensure the communication signal for news broadcasts. He also served as an inspector for his company who oversaw the manufacturing of satellites and determined if they were launch worthy and could be accepted and subsequently launched for his company. He also attended the launches of several of his company’s satellites to make the call whether the payload (satellite) was ready to launch to space when loaded and secured on a rocket. Cliff overcame incredible hardships to achieve his career goals and to provide for his family.

He valued education highly as it was the path to his impressive career and ability to provide for his family. He instilled the value of education in his children and embodied the work ethic and constant desire for learning that made him so successful. Cliff is survived by his wife Ruby, daughter Lisa, daughter-in-law Stacey, son Michael (Mike), daughter-in-law Amanda, daughter Sandra, son-in-law Carl, and three grandchildren, Allen, Dylan, and Casey. He loved to joke around and had a great sense of humor. He preferred to be called “Grumpy Grandpa” by his grandchildren. Cliff was a very devout Christian and is happy to be meeting the Lord in heaven. He loved to spread the word of the Gospel.

A private family graveside was held at Williams-Payne Cemetery. Arrangements by Jordan Funeral Home.