Clinton Cress

Clinton Howard Cress, Beloved son of Peggy M. and Howard D. Cress, Beloved brother of Missi Cress, all residents of Providence Forge, VA, died at his home June 7, 2012 in Wilmington, NC with his parents by his side. Clinton was born June 12, 1971 in Chesapeake, VA and spent his childhood there. Clint was a 1989 graduate of Great Bridge High School, Chesapeake, VA. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1993 from Old Dominion University in the field of Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Wilmington, NC near other family members, and to start his career. Soon he moved back to VA, worked with his dad in the construction business, and enrolled in Virginia Commonwealth University to pursue a Master’s degree. He received his Master’s Degree in Sociology from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1997. He spent another few years in the construction industry with his dad and in 2000 returned to Wilmington, NC to pursue his own business “Clint Cress Carpentry.” Clint’s favorite pastimes were spending time with his family, cooking with his mom, hunting and fishing with his dad, and out-fishing his cousin Tim. He played the guitar, picked around on the mandolin, and even wrote and recorded some of his own songs. He loved all types of music and was a master of the carpentry trade. His best friend and buddy was his dad, and his closest friend and confidant his sister Missi. But he had a large group of lasting and deeply-devoted friends: Charlie, Kelly, Paul, Jeff, and Alan. He also made some new close friends in Wilmington, NC such as Greg and his young family, Dr. Kevin Cannon and family, and Ricardo, his friend and fellow craftsman. And in his business, every customer became like family. His clients admired his excellent craftsmanship and never-ending attention to top-notch detail. They all grew to love him so much they wanted to adopt him as their own! Clint never met a stranger, and made everyone feel welcome. He could have had dinner with the President at the White House, and then went outside to share his peanut butter sandwich with a homeless person. He respected everyone and was loved by all. The world is a lesser place without him in it. The lives of his many friends and family (aunts, uncles, cousins, both biological and adopted by love) will be diminished by his death. His mother most diminished of all. His birth brightened my life for nearly 41 years. He was kind, caring, compassionate, bright, witty, funny, and sometimes downright silly. We will keep the spark of his love in our hearts forever. Love to you my Son. Two Memorial Services will be held in Honor of His Life A Memorial Service will be held in Virginia at the home of Clint’s family at 4950 N. Courthouse Road, Providence Forge, VA 23140 on Saturday June 23, 2012 at 4:00 PM A Memorial Service will be held in NC at the home of Clint’s cousins Debbie & Timmy Lewis at 454 Governors Road SE, Winnabow, NC 28479-5108 on Saturday June 30, 2012 at 4:00 PM Tributes may be posted at www.vincentfh.com.

Clinton Cress

June 12, 1971 - June 7, 2012