CLIFTON DATES (II)

Clift Dates was a remarkable man whose life touched the hearts of many. His legacy is one of kindness, strength, and unwavering love for his family and community. This space is dedicated to sharing memories and stories of Clift, allowing all who knew him to come together and celebrate his impactful life.

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Clifton Dates II (Jr), born in South Bend, Indiana on May 11, 1946, to Ollie Smith Pernell and Clifton Dates Sr, passed away on December 9, 2023, at the age of 77.

His parents later relocated to Memphis, Tennessee in 1951.

 

Clift was a true pioneer, legend, leader, and entrepreneur who touched the lives of many. After graduating from Douglass High School in 1964, Clifton married and subsequently enlisted in the military (Airforce), serving with honor from 1964 to 1968 before receiving an honorable discharge. He then dedicated himself to the service of his community, joining the Memphis Police Department from 1968 to 1976, where he bravely protected and served.

 

After his time on the police force, Clifton pursued a career as a private investigator from 1976 to 1986. His passion for security and protection led him to establish his own security guard company, CDA Inc, in 1988.

As the founder and leader of CDA Inc, Clift employed thousands of individuals and built a successful multi-million dollar enterprise that thrived for over 25 years before he eventually sold the company in 2012.

Clift's commitment to security extended to his personal life, as he served as Isaac Haye's personal bodyguard in the late 70s.

 

Additionally, he co-founded the Afro-American Police Association in 1973, leaving a lasting impact on the law enforcement community in Memphis, TN.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Clifton was a dedicated member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church, a philosopher, community activist, knowledgeable historian, and an eccentric man.

 

He cherished spending time with his wife, daughter, grandchildren, sons, family members and friends finding joy in their company. He was a confidant, friend, and a devoted family man who will be remembered as a great father and an awesome grandfather.

Throughout his life, Clift was a strong advocate for youth empowerment and crime prevention in Memphis.

 

He was a mentor, a living legend, and a pioneer who left an indelible mark on his
community.

Clift will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will continue to
inspire and guide those whose lives he touched.

Clifton is preceded in death by his mother Ollie Smith-Pernell, his father Clifton Dates Sr, his grandfather Granville Smith, his grandmother Minnie Smith, his son Roderick Hall Sr, his sister Georgia Mae Dates-Washington, his great grandchild Kristen Williams and his first wife Maxine Bernard-Dates.

He is survived by his wife Joanne Houston-Dates, his children Clifton Dates III, Eric Dates, Darryl Dates Sr, Kimbrielle (Vanda) Monique Dates-Watkins. His aunts, Cozell Marsh, Sarah Bradford, Hilda Jean Washington and Elmarine Corbett. His grandchildren Jenisha (Jaylon) Dates-Acey, Kimbrielle Shareese Dates, Shawntae (Ronald) Dates-Blake, Clifton Dates IV, Cortney (Raven) Dates, Erius Dates, Darryl Dates Jr, Roderick Hall Jr, Brandon Hall, Marquette Hall and Tamias Hall-Woods. Great grandchildren, Kerrien Dates, Christian Dates, Tayler Bethea, Jayce Gipson Jr, Harley Blake, Amari Blake, Kash Woods, Braydon Hall, Kasey Williams, Journi Burton, and Neveah McBride.

 

Clift married 4 times in his life. 

Maxine Bernard-Dates - (Married in 1964 - Divorced in 1988).

Beulah Smith - (Married in 1991 - Divorced in 1994).

Deloris Denise Webber - (Married in  2010 - Divorced in 2017)  

Joanne Houston-Dates - (Married in 2021 to 2023)

In the hearts of those who knew him, Clift’s memory will forever be cherished. His legacy of love, service, helping others, and dedication to family and community will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

 

Let us celebrate a life well-lived and a spirit that will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.