Clifford Purdy Lamson, Jr. passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026. Known to most as Cliff—and to many as Pappy—he was born on April 3, 1937, in Danbury, Connecticut. He enlisted in the US Navy at 17, beginning a 20-year career of service. While on shore duty, he ran a heating and air-conditioning repair business out of his blue van, offering a helping hand wherever he was needed. While stationed in Green Cove Springs, Florida, Cliff spotted Helen Bland at church and immediately told his buddy, “I’m going to marry that girl.” Five months later, on December 22, 1956, he did. Together, Cliff and Helen spent nearly 70 years building a life, raising three daughters and an adopted son, and watching their family expand across multiple generations. Following his military retirement, Cliff worked for the Clay County School Board for 18 years. Never one to sit still, he also opened The Motorcycle Shop, turning a lifelong passion for mechanics and riding into a way to connect with others. His faith was central to everything he did. Through the Christian Motorcyclists Association and the Jacksonville Chapter of Bikers for Christ, which he helped form, Cliff combined his love for motorcycles with his desire to share his belief in Jesus. He wasn’t one for preaching from a pulpit; he simply talked to people, made them feel like family, and lived out his faith every day. Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford P. Lamson, Sr. and Winifred Finney; stepfather, Charles Finney; sister, Viola Kinter; daughter, Evelyn Kirkland; son, David Lamson; son-in-law, Paul Newsome; great-grandson, Cid Kirkland; and nephew Christopher Finney. He is survived by his wife, Helen; daughters, Pam Newsome and Kimm Farwell (Sean); son-in-law, Lem Kirkland; grandchildren, Sean, Ashley, Michael, Shannon, Meghan (Ryan), and Cliff (Savanna); great-grandchildren, Chase, Casey, Savannah, Lemmy, Skylar, Lily, and McKenzie; and a community of extended family and friends who called him Pappy. A Celebration of Life will be held on October 8, 2026, at Lake Asbury Baptist Church in Green Cove Springs, Florida. Visitation begins at 10:30 a.m., with the service following at 11:00 a.m. Cliff will be laid to rest with military honors at the Jacksonville National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lake Asbury Baptist Church or the Wounded Warrior Project. Fair winds and following seas, Pappy. Arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. (904) 284-4000.
