George L. Hercliff, age 68 of Clare, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at his home with family by his side. George was born the youngest of five children to Howard and Margaret (Cromie) Hercliff on August 26, 1955 in Sandusky, MI. Shortly after George was born, his family moved to Harrison and George remained a Clare County resident for the rest of his life. He was a proud graduate of the Harrison High School Class of 1973. After high school, George attended the North American Transport Driving Academy and began what became an impressive fifty-four year career as the owner and operator of Hercliff Trucking—his petroleum hauling business that operated all over Central Michigan. When George wasn’t working, he liked to spend time on his Harley, cruising Michigan, especially some of its scenic northern routes. He was also an avid supporter of Clare and Coleman sports, and he greatly enjoyed his “breakfast club” at the 505 Café in Clare.
George is survived by his grandson Austin Hercliff of Clare and his siter Elaine Williams of Swartz Creek. Other survivors include his brother-in-law Jerry Wheeler of Pinconning, his nephews Jeff (Shelly) Wheeler, Todd (Kay) Wheeler, and Rob (Mindy) Bailey, and his niece Kristen (Jeff) Savoda. George was preceded in death by his cherished daughter Patricia Hercliff, his parents Howard and Margaret Hercliff, his sister Lorraine Wheeler, his brothers Dale and Harry Hercliff, and his brother-in-law Elton Williams.
A time to celebrate George’s life will take place at the Clare Chapel of the Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. and again from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. His final place of rest will be next to his daughter Patricia in the Cherry Grove Cemetery of Clare. Memorial contributions in honor of George may be directed to his friends at the Clare/Farwell American Legion Post 558. For those unable to attend services, online condolences may be shared at www.stephenson-wyman.com
