We are saddened to share the passing of beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Greg Radcliffe, age 78, of Rockford, Michigan who was the victim of a motor vehicle / pedestrian accident outside his home.
Greg was born in Lafayette, Indiana. He grew up in Lansing and graduated from Lansing Everett High School before attending the Nebraska Technical Institute, where he graduated with honors in Construction Science.
Greg went on to become a homebuilder, earning designations from the National Association of Homebuilders as a Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) and Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). He founded his own business in 1990 working with clients throughout Southwest Michigan.
Greg named his company, “Hall of Fame Homes” as a tribute to his father who was honored in the National Home Builders Association Hall of Fame for his creation of Nail-Glue Truss Systems and, more importantly, for his creation of the Critical Path Method (CPM) of scheduling during his tenure as Department Head at the University of Nebraska.
Since 2010, Greg could be found with a friendly smile serving contractors at the Pro Desk at Lowes in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids where he has worked for the last 15 years.
Greg was a proud patriot and a humble and reserved veteran, serving in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969, attaining the rank of Specialist Fifth Class. He served as a personnel specialist, including overseas duty during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and two Overseas Service Bars for his dedicated service.
Greg loved to laugh, play games, and spend time with his family and friends. He also loved to train and compete in Tae Kwon Do (TKD), achieving the rank of Third-Degree Black Belt after completing a grueling testing process under Master Scott Polderman at the Tae Kwon Do USA School. Just one step shy of Master himself, Greg competed locally and nationally, supporting competitions and events to help others grow in his favorite sport and past time.
Greg’s life was rich with family and faith. In addition to being survived by his wife Cindy, he was blessed with two children, two stepchildren, seventeen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He cherished his pets and was never without a loving canine companion.
Greg was preceded in death by his parents and survived by his brother Steve Radcliffe and wife Janie of Denver, Colorado. He was survived by his son Shannon Radcliffe and wife Jennie of Otsego, Michigan, daughter Ginger Erickson and husband Terry of Milford, Michigan, stepdaughter Lorri Rhoda and husband Don of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and stepson Travis Dommert and wife Lisa of Peachtree Corners, Georgia.
Greg’s grandchildren include Aaron, Zachary (Deidre), Leah, Lauren, Lilly, Gabriel, Keegan, and Sarah Radcliffe, Cooper Erickson, Gabe and his fiancée Bailey, Gavin, and Olivia Rhoda, Nick, Kylie, Briggs, Sophie, and Levi Dommert. His great grandchildren include Macklin and Monroe Radcliffe.
Family, friends, and coworkers are encouraged to come to the visitation from 9:30-10:30AM followed by a funeral service at 10:30-11:30AM on Thursday, April 30th at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home (3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546). Following the service, the family will have a private burial service with military honors at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan.
If you wish to send a gesture to honor Greg, the family asks that in lieu of flowers you make a donation in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), the Humane Society of West Michigan, or the Kent County Sheriff Volunteer Services, Sheriff’s Office
701 Ball Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
8 Responses
My team and I were deeply saddened to learn of Greg’s sudden passing this week. Greg was a valued member of our Lowe’s team, loved not only by our associates but also by our frequent Pro customers that he would interact with daily. We could always rely on Greg for his building knowledge when we didn’t have an answer. No matter what was going on during any given day, Greg was guaranteed to bless our store with a smile and a joke or two. I’m happy that I got to spend the last three years interacting with Greg and our desk will forever remember the care and passion he brought. Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones.
Greg’s humor and smile will be missed.
My wife Cissy and I didn’t know Greg, but in reading his life story he sounds like a wonderful man, father and patriot. Hats off to him!
My sister Janie is the wife of Greg’s brother, Steve.
Prayers for sure for Gregg’s family.
John Hamilton
Lexington, KY
Greg will forever be missed. He brought such peace and humor to those around him! When I went through my fight with cancer he always checked on me and was so concerned with how I was handling the CAT scans and treatments. He was always willing to listen to my complaints and was such a warm place for me during that time. Greg, your impact on my life will never be forgotten! I will miss you.
Your friend
Greg was always smiling and ready to make you laugh. It won’t be the same coming to work and not seeing his smiling face at Lowe’s. He was so loved by everyone who worked with him, and will be missed deeply.
Dear Family of our best friend Greg, his light shone so brightly in our lives, every moment filled with laughter, wisdom, and kindness that we will carry with us until we meet again. The memories we shared of adventures, as well as the quiet moments of understanding, are forever etched into our hearts. He gave us the true meaning of loyalty and joy, and we are eternally grateful for the time we had together with him and Cindy. Rest peacefully my Pard, you are deeply missed and never forgotten.
We were so saddened to hear of Greg’s passing.
What a tragic accident. Though it’s been many years since we’ve seen him, we will always remember Greg a smile and friendly welcome. Your entire family, Cindy, is in our prayers at this terribly difficult time. May God hold you close and may your wonderful memories flood your hearts and minds.
Lorna and Craig Sisson
I worked with Greg at Lowes in Grand Rapids always friendly with smile on his face. It was a great pleasure to work.with him and know him Sympathies to.the whole family. You will be missed my friend!