Clifford Alfred Sagely

Clifford Alfred Sagely, father and friend, passed away on October 8, 2023, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, at the age of 92. He was born on April 23, 1931, in Rosedale, New Mexico, and lived a life filled with faith, love and righteousness.

Alfred (as everyone knew him) loved his family. He loved to laugh, play dominos (42), eat Kentucky Fried Chicken and enjoyed having a ‘pinch’ inside his cheek. His hobby was working on mechanical things, anything he could take a screwdriver or wrench to, and most things worked or ran right when he was finished. He grew up as the second oldest of eight siblings in a family of modest means. Hard work ethic was embedded in his DNA from working in the fields of New Mexico to the working home farm of northwest Arkansas. After a tour in Japan with the Army, he returned to his family in Arkansas and began working at a processing plant. Martin’s Poultry house in south Fayetteville would later become White-Sage Poultry as Alfred became owner of the facility and chicken distribution expanded to the four-state area.

But all that time he was faithful to the local churches they attended. He, Gwen and their two daughters served as the host family of a mission church that formed on Wood Avenue in Fayetteville. The church was blessed to have Alfred serve as a deacon, secretary, treasurer, and trustee as Gwen taught the children and led women’s ministries. Alfred was the last charter member of what is now Eastside Baptist Church of Fayetteville where he served and attended for over 50 years. Service extended beyond the church when they became empty-nesters. They opened their home to Clifton Holcomb whose life was mentored by the example Alfred lived before him and the loving stability and guidance of Gwen.

When it came time to retire after 45 years in the chicken business, Alfred started a lawn-mower service ministry. I call it that because he often would do the tune-up or repair for elder and widowed friends and neighbors and then intentionally ‘forget’ to collect for the parts or his time. He enjoyed having calves on the four acres in Farmington and helped his grandkids with their 4-H projects, raising pigs.

He was a peaceful soul, never demanding and always thankful for God’s blessing on his life and family. In his last few years, he was known to tell everyone “I just love my little house.” The front porch was his happy place and many hours were spent rocking and sleeping there in the shade.

He was widowed from Gwendolyn Killion Sagely in January of 2009 after 56 years of marriage.

Afred was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Irene White Sagely, his wife Gwendolyn Sagely, his siblings Louise Thomas, Francis Ellington, A.W. Sagely, Quinton Sagely, Benny Sagely,

He is survived by his sisters, Genevieve Pace of Cave Springs, Twilla and Alan McElroy of Springdale, daughters, Marita and Daryl Yerton, and Cozelle and Jerry Newman of Farmington, Arkansas. He leaves behind a legacy in his grandchildren: Sagely and Ryan Dill, Dane and Heather Yerton, Grayson Yerton, Lance England, Shannon Newman and Blaine and Kim Newman. He also leaves behind seven great grandchildren: Jackson Dill, Keegon Dill, Hollis Yerton, Leila Yerton, Violet Yerton, Klayton Newman and Maecee Newman, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 6 until 8 pm at Moore’s Chapel Funeral Home, 206 W. Center, Fayetteville. A Going Home Celebration will be Friday, October 13, 2023, at 1 pm at Eastside Baptist Church, 325 S. Crossover Rd., Fayetteville. Arrangements under the care of Moore’s Chapel Funeral Home.

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