Clifford Lamar Hembree, Jr., was born on August 17, 1949, in Marietta, Georgia. He was the eldest son of late Clifford Lamar Sr. and Elma Hembree. Clifford was called to eternal rest on January 03, 2021.
Clifford was a loving and devoted son and a supportive big brother. He was an even more amazing husband and father. The center of his universe was his wife of 43 years, Pat, and his son, Camad, both whom he loved unconditionally and cherished every day. He worked diligently to ensure his family’s emotional well-being and financial security, creating. a safe and loving home environment for his wife and son. His family was his priority and he always balanced work and family obligations with ease.
Lamar, as he was also affectionately known, moved with the family at an early age to New Jersey, where he was raised in the Jerseyland section Scotch Plains. He was educated in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools. After his 1967 high school graduation, Lamar matriculated at University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico. During his sophomore year, he transferred to Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia, graduating in 1971, with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. During the summer of his college years, Lamar returned to New Jersey, and was employed by Lockheed-Martin in Watchung, After Graduation, Lamar moved to East Orange New Jersey and started to work with General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC). He worked at the Woodbridge, West Orange and Florham Park offices, from where he retired in 2009, after 25 years. Lamar was regarded as a recognized authority on acquiring a motor vehicle. He assisted family, relatives and friends in all aspects related to acquiring a motor vehicle, with great success and appreciation. After retiring from GMAC, he later re-entered the workforce, joining Millennium Bank in Somerset, a position he held until 2014.
In 1979, Clifford was united in marriage to Willie Patricia Fleming of Natchez, Mississippi. They settled and purchased a home in Plainfield, New Jersey. To this union, a son, Camad Laiquant Hembree was born.
Clifford was Camad’s role model and always demonstrated his love and devotion to him. Camad was the focus of his life. Clifford was always an active participant in Camad’s life and made sure his son experienced each day a sense of emotional security within their meaningful relationship. Clifford coached Camad’s little league baseball team so he could be involved in Camad’s extra-curricular activities, celebrating the 1993 Plainfield Little League victory as father and son. Clifford always maintained a pivotal role in his son’s life and, with pride, encouraged him on and witnessed his journey to manhood.
In addition to his loving parents, Clifford was preceded in death by his brother, Leon Hembree, and sister-in law, Lisa Hembree.
Surviving Clifford is his devoted wife, Pat; his son, Camad; and, his brother, Larry Hembree, all of Plainfield, New Jersey. He is also survived by niece, Jasmine Hembree, and great nephew, Cooper, both of North Plainfield, New Jersey. A host of other relatives and dear friends are left to cherish his friendship and memory, including brother-in laws, sister-in-law, aunts and uncles; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
His virtual memorial will be held on February 18, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. Family and friends are welcomed to join this remembrance celebration. Details to follow.