Elkins, West Virginia - Clifford Wade Priest, 68, of Fairmont passed away on Friday, January 02, 2026, at WV Caring Hospice House in Elkins. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland on October 06, 1957, a son of the late Charles Wade and Mary Kathern Valentine Priest.

He graduated from East Fairmont High School in 1975. He loved music, especially his Thursday night gatherings with friends. Clifford enjoyed tinkering in his garage and could fix about anything. He most enjoyed the time spent with family and friends. He retired with 30 years' service from WVU Health Sciences Department, where he was a maintenance foreman.

He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years Elaine Tennant Priest; two sons Jeffrey Priest and Erik Priest and his wife Marci; two daughters Amanda McCoy and her husband Earl Jr. and Ingrid Salerno; one brother Chester Priest and his wife Shirley; one sister Charlotte Williams and her husband Steve; seven grandchildren Matt, Tyler and Michael Reel, Kalila, Karissa and Jacob McCoy and Colbi Eddy; and several nieces and nephews including a special niece Stacey Earl and her husband Jay and a special nephew Scott Williams and his wife Amanda.

Friends may call at Carpenter and Ford Funeral Home, 209 Merchant Street, Fairmont, on Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, January 08, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Harley Mayfield and Pastor John Snyder officiating.

In keeping with his wishes Clifford will be cremated following the funeral.

To assist the family, please follow the link - https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/clifford-wade-priest/15127/

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpenterandford.com

Carpenter and Ford Funeral Home is honored to serve The Priest Family.