Clinton Austin “Wolfie” Wolf, 95 went to be with the Lord on June 9, 2019. He is survived by sister Martha Leonard, OH & was the 5th of 6 children born to Earl & Ora Wolf in Lenox, OH. His Northern kin, lovingly referred to him as Austin. His beloved wife Isabel of nearly 50 years, preceded him in death, as well as that of sisters, Helen Ross, Lois Woodruff, Edna Santana, Mary Miller & Brother Raymond Wolf. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great, great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 5 nephews and one niece. Additionally, he is survived by his adopted family Karen (Kiebler), Whitney & Zac Sopak family, some 25 years ago. At the age of 17, Wolf decided he was going to get off the farm & spent the next 12 years in the U.S. Navy achieving the rank Boilerman First Class Wolf served on numerous ships & was in both the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans during his service. He was sunk twice within 22 hours during Operation Torch of the North African campaign. First sunk was the USS Hewes AP Rescued by the USS Tasker H. Bliss that supported the troops by laying smoke screen for the Battleships. The Bliss was sunk after being struck by a German submarine’s torpedo at Fedala Bay, Morocco. He told of having a rope tossed to him from a life boat that he eagerly grabbed, only to find no one had secured the other end. They were taken ashore & spent the night in a bombed-out church with no roof watching the sights & hearing the wounds of war overhead. He also was proud to have served on the USS Missouri. Following his military service & with a big smile, that said he called home to tell his dad “sell my team of horses Dad. I’m getting married!” During his career, Wolf found work as a newspaper type setter for various papers, as well as selling advertisements for the Youngstown Vindicator in OH. He was in auctioneer business & enjoyed it immensely. Following a move to FL in the early 1960’s Wolf became the lead Type-Setter for the New York Times Newspaper, Sarasota edition. He loved to say he did It all with less than an 8th grade education! Retiring gave Clint & Izzy opportunities to fish, beach, boat, camp, garden & to ride their bicycles. They became very active in the 10th Street Baptist church then ultimately led the singing at First Baptist Church of Palmetto as well as led the Adult Sunday School class. He was so proud to have the brightest & wildest clothes and the largest class Bible class! Clint Wolf got them all fired up and that man could sing!! He transported cars for trades at Jim Boast Dodge (Izzy rode shotgun) & then for Conley Buick in Bradenton, FL. His next notoriety came from running payroll & then as the Bicycle Sales King at Ringling Bike Shop in Bradenton. He could not only sell you a bike, but would outfit everyone with the helmets, bells, pumps, gloves, satchels, baskets & just everything they needed! The space to honor this great man is limited. Not only does he live on in heaven with His Savior Jesus Christ but he has left a huge loving imprint on those of us, left behind. To honor Clinton, any flowers sent will be re-delivered following the service, to local nursing homes as he often did when cutting roses from his beautiful garden & brightening the days of the lonely. In lieu of flowers if you prefer, you are welcome to donate The Wounded Warrior Project on his behalf or to Life Without Limbs to continue to witness & share the Good News of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ through whom, all things are possible. We invite anyone attending the service to share their comments & stories about this Great Man who is already sorely missed!!
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