WILMINGTON — Thomas Clifford “Cliff” Bancroft passed away on December 11, 2021. Cliff will be greatly missed and forever cherished by his father and best friend, Tommy Bancroft; his sister, Jenny Adams; his brother-in-law, Austin; his nephews, Miles and Henry; his aunt, Loretta Lewis; cousin Katie White, her husband Bub, and children Emmi Rose and Brooks; several cousins in Ohio; and his many special friends who were family. Cliff is reunited in his passing with his beloved wife, Hannah; his mother, Carolyn; and other family and friends. The world was blessed with Cliff on February 6, 1973 and hasn’t been the same since.
He was born in Wilmington and attended Hoggard High School and Cape Fear Community College. He put his roots in Wilmington and became “The Mayor.” Cliff was gregarious. He was fun and silly, witty and quick with a joke. He was the life of the party with his roaring laughter and his rosy cheeks. He was smart and sharp, intellectual, wise, and deep. He was kind, loving, and compassionate and a man of integrity. His heart was big and his smile contagious. He cared deeply for others and made an impact beyond words.
Cliff gave his strong work ethic to every job, most recently at Karl’s Auto Shop, where he served as Office Manager. His biggest passion and strength, however, was connecting with everyone and building relationships as seen in his work, daily life, and friendships. Cliff had many interests and talents. He loved to joke around, loved being in a kitchen and good food, and was a whiz at trivia. He loved camping, NC State and Panthers Football, and attending the Masters with his Dad.
Above all, Cliff loved his family, friends, and music and his life was dedicated to these passions. He was fiercely loyal and dedicated to his family and his friends throughout his life, always there in times of happiness and in times of need. He helped to care for his parents as their health changed. He loved wrestling and talking Star Wars with his nephews. Cliff embodied the definition of a “friend.” He made friends easily and nurturing friendships came naturally to him. The friends he chose were lucky to experience his love and warmth. He brought people and kept people together. His friends were family and his family were his friends. Cliff lived for music listening to and collecting all types of music, traveling with the Dead and Phish and attending music festivals everywhere, going to concerts at Greenfield Lake, and going to Merlefest with his father and sister and friends for more than 20 years.
After dating for several years, Cliff and Hannah married in 2019. They had years together full of love, friends, happiness, and wonderful memories. When Hannah became sick, Cliff never left her side. He was heartbroken when his Hannah passed in April 2021. They are now reunited.
Cliff’s family and friends will continue his legacy of love and laughter, kindness to all, and living in the moment. In Cliff’s words, “Hug the ones you love a little tighter tonight.”
Cliff’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 18, at 11am at Lifepoint Church, 3534 South College Rd. Come as you are.
Honorary gifts can be made to the charity of your choice.
