Clifton Lyonell Tucker

Clifton Lyonell Tucker, Jr., 29, died Monday, May 28, Memorial Day, 2018, in a one vehicle accident near Balmorhea, Texas as he was returning to his hometown of El Paso, Texas after participating in a Memorial Armed Forces basketball tournament in San Antonio, Texas. Clifton Lyonell Tucker, aka Little Cliff, born January 12, 1989, in Tacoma, WA spent his youth traveling with his parents, Clifton & Regina before coming to El Paso, TX. Cliff attend Chapin High School, 2004-2007, where he was a student in the magnet program. He excelled in athletic ability achieving local, city and state honors earning him the title Mr. El Paso. Additionally, in his senior year, 2006-2007, he was nationally ranked in football and was the McDonald all-American nominee. After declining many college scholarships, most noteworthy a full scholarship to University of Texas at El Paso, (UTEP), Cliff signed with University of Maryland fulfilling a vow between him and his cousin, Philip Michael Thomas, who in 2001 died in a traffic accident. During his college career, 2007-2011, he played in over 130 basketball games; that including two memorable trips to the NCAA Men’s tournament in 2009 and 2010 and lead the club in 3-pointers- memorializing his famous You Tube game winning 3-point shot against Georgia Tech, in his senior year. While attending University of Maryland he volunteered as a mentor to the youth. In 2011, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Family Science. In 2011 he received a football scholarship with UTEP, as a 5th year senior to purpose a master’s degree. In 2012 Cliff was drafted in the third round into the NBA Developmental league by the Springfield Armor, an affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets. After his time playing with the Armor, he spent the next 5 years playing as an international basketball player, traveling to several countries during his 180 plus game career. During the off season he would returned to El Paso or Maryland to work with local kids at basketball camps and clinics. Cliff was an admirable man who enjoyed life. His humor and efficacious laugh was contiguous. His selfless demeanor shone through with passion and care for others, especially children. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Cliff is survived by his parents Clifton Sr. and Regina, his son Dallas, his daughter Drianna, his grandparents, Willie Mae and Levet Brown, Jr, (Forestville, MD), Rosa Stokes (Richmond, VA) and special friend, Genesis Soto, and her daughter Destinee, family and friends. A Viewing will be held in El Paso, Tuesday, Jun 5, 2018 from 2 pm - 4 pm at the 1st Armored Division Chapel, Building 11272 Biggs Street, [East Fort Bliss], El Paso, Texas 79918 followed by the Funeral Service at 4 pm. A service will be held Thursday, Jun 7, 2018 at the University of Maryland Memorial Chapel, 7600 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD, 20740 - (301) 314-9866: Viewing: 10 – 11 am; Services 11 am - 1 pm. ---Internment will be at the Cedar Hill Cemetery, 4111 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suitland, MD, 20746. Repast: Following the burial at the Our Lady Queen of Peace Church (Cremona Room)- 3800 Ely Place & Ridge Rd, SE Washington, DC 20019 - (202) 582-8600. A Viewing will be held in El Paso, Tuesday, Jun 5, 2018 from 2 pm - 4 pm at the 1st Armored Division Chapel, Building 11272 Biggs Street, [East Fort Bliss], El Paso, Texas 79918 followed by the Funeral Service at 4 pm. A service will be held Thursday, Jun 7, 2018 at the University of Maryland Memorial Chapel, 7600 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD, 20740 - (301) 314-9866: Viewing: 10 – 11 am; Services 11 am - 1 pm. ---Internment will be at the Cedar Hill Cemetery, 4111 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suitland, MD, 20746. Repast: Following the burial at the Our Lady Queen of Peace Church (Cremona Room)- 3800 Ely Place & Ridge Rd, SE Washington, DC 20019 - (202) 582-8600.