Clifton Shivers, 72, helped other cancer patients

Clifton Shivers knew a thing or two about cancer. He battled cancer for eight years and had been in remission four times.

He’d talk to anybody about treatment. All a person had to do was call; many did.

“He had been through all the treatments, so he knew what to expect,” said his son, Paul Shivers of Dahlonega. “He was constantly speaking to my wife’s grandfather about the cancer he was dealing with.”

Clifton Neil Shivers Jr., 72, of Lawrenceville died Saturday of non-Hodgkins lymphoma at his home. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the Snellville chapel of Tom M. Wages Funeral Home, which is handling arrangements. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East in Trussville, Ala.

Many cancer patients who contacted Mr. Shivers came via First Baptist Church of Snellville, where the eight-year Air Force vet sang in the choir and the men’s choral group. Others were recommended by doctors at Emory University Hospital.

“They would give Clift’s name to patients because he was so positive,” said Jean Shivers, his wife of 24 years. “Doctors called him their poster child.”

Mr. Shivers often ended up in a leadership role in activities embraced by his three sons. He was president of a motorcycle club when the boys raced Enduro bikes. He was an adventure guide when they belonged to the YMCA.

Other survivors are sons Mark Shivers of Oxford and Michael Shivers of Between; stepdaughter Pam Wilmeth of Birmingham; and eight grandchildren.