Clifford Anderson Pilgrim, Jr.

Clifford Anderson Pilgrim, Jr., age 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Monticello, Georgia on November 14, 2024. Clifford was a kind and generous man who loved and supported his family, friends, community, and country.

The youngest of eleven children, he was born on March 12, 1936 in Lithonia, Georgia to Clifford A. and Pearl Ferguson Pilgrim. He enlisted in the United States Army in January 1955 and enjoyed telling the story of being underweight at his enlistment physical. Seeing his disappointment, the physician asked, ” Son, are you sure you want to serve?” “Yes, sir!”, was his reply. The physician placed his foot on the scale alongside Clifford’s and registered the exaggerated weight. Clifford spent much of his enlistment in Korea during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in April of 1963.

After his service in the army, Clifford returned to Atlanta, where he owned and operated Margaret’s Florist in Atlanta with his sisters for over thirty years until his retirement. Not long after moving to Atlanta, he met Sarah Hooper Pilgrim, the love of his life. They were married in January of 1968, and continued to love and support each other through the years and took great pride in their dedication to family, love of animals and nature and pursuit of creative endeavors. Sarah predeceased Clifford in October of 2021.

Clifford was an avid lover of nature and escaped to the outdoors at every opportunity. He especially enjoyed North Georgia and the Great Smokey Mountains. He possessed a great knowledge of native plants, birds and wildlife that he used to cultivate a beautiful and peaceful home surrounded by all creatures’ great and small.

Clifford was also predeceased by his parents, and siblings Lonnie “Bootsie”, Ralph, Claude, George, Frank, Bob and Walter. He is survived by sister, Fannie Lou (Tony) Elrod of Decatur, brother-in-law Cecil Hooper of Monticello and sisters-in-law Sybil Bentley of Social Circle, and Mary Wingard, Cathy Loyd and Jane Hooper of Monticello. He is also survived by stepdaughter, Paige (Alex) Christine of St. Augustine, Florida; granddaughters Katiel Gray and Sophia Christine; great-grandson, John Galioto; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. at Hooper Family Cemetery on Bethel Church Road. Rev. Larry Elrod, Clifford’s nephew, will officiate.

Jordan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visit its website at www.jordanfuneralhomemonticello.com.