Clifford John Azevedo

Clifford John Azevedo, age 69, died on Saturday, March 30, 2024. He was born in Santa Rosa, CA, the son of the late Arthur Victor Azevedo and Melba Faye Walker Azevedo.

Cliff grew up and went to school in his hometown of Hilmar, California, where he shared countless fond memories with his family and classmates. At Hilmar High School, he was the quarterback of the football team, and he was on the track and field team, where he broke many school records. Most memorably, his 1973 4x400 relay team held the school record for 45 years. Cliff was honored to be “Yellowjacket of the Year” as well as earning several other top honors as an athlete. He went on to play football at Merced College, and later he graduated from City of Light School of Ministry in Kingswood, TX. 

Cliff returned to Hilmar, where he and his wife, Jan, raised their two children, Clayton and Summer. He designed and assisted in building their dream home in 1992, where he always grew a garden, and raised beef cows, chickens, and pigs.  Cliff and Jan hosted countless get-togethers and horseshoe tournaments with family and friends for years to come. Cliff also enjoyed playing golf, hunting, and going fishing with his 7 brothers and 1 sister. He worked at Superstore Industries-Sunnyside Farms in Turlock, CA for over 20 years before retiring. 

Cliff and Jan moved to South Carolina in 2020 to be closer to their grandchildren. He lived his last years in their lakefront home on Lake Wateree. His 4 grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was always taking them fishing, throwing the football, and playing card games with them. He enjoyed attending all of their many sporting events, including flag football, soccer, wrestling tournaments, and swim meets. 

Everyone always said Cliff never met a stranger, and he showed so much love for everyone. His favorite verse in the Bible was 1 John 4:7. 

Clifford is survived by his wife of 37 years, Janet Small Azevedo; son, Clay Azevedo of Camden; daughter, Summer Tannehill (Kyle) of Lancaster, SC; grandchildren, Jake, Jana, Lee and Loretta Tannehill; and brothers, Larry Azevedo (Elizabeth) of Merced, CA, Don Azevedo (Terry) of Star, ID, Les Azevedo of Hilmar, CA, George Azevedo (Jonese) of Desert Hot Springs, CA, Albert Azevedo (Eva) of Turlock, CA; and John Azevedo (Roxanne) of Hilmar, CA. He is also survived by over 30 nieces and nephews whom he cherished. They loved to hang out and laugh with their Uncle Cliff.  

Clifford was predeceased by his brother, Gary Azevedo, and his sister, Rosemary Azevedo-Martins (John).

Visitation: Family members are invited to a private visitation.

Memorial: Everyone is invited to drop by the Azevedo’s home Friday, April 5th, 2024, 2:00 pm-6:00 pm for a memorial to share love, support, and memories. 1162 Whippoorwill Rd Camden, SC 29020. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hilmar Football or Hilmar Track and Field Programs, which he and his children both participated in and enjoyed throughout high school.  Checks can be mailed or taken to:  

Hilmar Football or Hilmar Track and Field

Hilmar High School 

7807 N. Lander Ave 

Hilmar, CA 95324  

Please put “In memory of Cliff Azevedo” in the memo. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clifford John Azevedo, please visit our floral store.