Dr. David H. Radcliffe passed away on March 2, 2021 to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born November 27, 1922 in Matthews, Missouri to Malcolm and Ruby Radcliffe. He attended elementary and high school in Matthews and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Southeast Missouri State Teachers College. He earned his Master of Science and Doctor of Education degrees from the University of Illinois.
In 1943 he entered the Marine Corps 3D officer training program and later transferred to the Navy Midshipman program, where he earned his commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. He served during World War II as a Wave Commander aboard an attack transport (the USS Karnes) during the invasion of Okinawa. He retired as a Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Reserve.
On August 12, 1948, he married Roberta “Bobbie” Lou Lear in Jackson, Missouri and they moved to Danville, Illinois. He served in the Danville School District as a teacher, principal, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, and Superintendent of Schools until 1974. The family then moved to Sugar Grove, Illinois, some 40 miles West of Chicago, where he served as Superintendent of Schools, until his retirement in 1983.
In 1986, he and Bobbie moved to Hendersonville, NC. They became members of Hendersonville Presbyterian Church, where Dave served as a deacon, elder, Sunday-school teacher, usher captain, and Chairman of the Pastoral Search Committee.
In 1990, along with a small number of senior tennis enthusiasts, they formed the Hendersonville Tennis Association. The program has flourished through the years, at times having as many as 75 members.
Dave cherished his friends, who he came to know through church, tennis, and the community. He never met a stranger.
In 2011, they moved to Carolina Village, where he enjoyed making new friends and renewing old friendships.
He is survived by his wife, Bobbie, of 72 years; son David (Delia); son Scott (Rebecca); grandson Daniel (Samantha); great-grandson Warren; great-granddaughter Raegan; and granddaughter Emily.
The memorial service for Dr. David H. Radcliffe will be held on April 10, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Hendersonville Presbyterian Church. The service will be live streamed, so those who are unable to attend in person may log into the church’s website at the appointed day and time, click on the video link, and attend virtually. For your convenience, the link is inserted below:
http://www.hendersonvillepc.org/liveservicestream.cfm
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservices or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.