Cliff James Judkins III

Graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, Alabama. First attended Marion Military Institute, then Auburn University. Joined the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Cadet (NavCad). Completed training in May, 1960. Commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and received his wings as a Naval Aviator. He joined Marine Squadron VMF-323 (Death Rattlers), and was based at El Toro MCAS in Orange County, California flying the Chance-Vought F8U Crusader. He completed a Far East tour aboard the U.S.S. Lexington where he logged many carrier landings and visited many foreign lands.

Upon return to the United States, he married his sweetheart, Harriet "Hattie" Heath. He left the Marines in 1966 after a 13 month tour in DaNang, Vietnam. Cliff was a pilot with Delta Air Lines for 30 years, logging over 22,000 hours of flight time, before retiring in 1996.

He was widowed after 55 years of marriage to his best girl. He and Hattie were blessed with two fine children - Virginia "Jenny" Angela Heath Judkins Luttrell, and James "Jim" Christopher Heath Judkins.

Cliff comes from twelve generations of Americans - the first arriving in the "New World" in 1622 in Jamestowne, Virginia. Cliff was a member of numerous organizations - The Jamestowne Society, The Old Guard of the Gate City Guard of Atlanta, and The Quiet Birdmen, just to name a few. He and Harriet were founding members of The Episcopal Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Marietta, Georgia.

He leaves four grandchildren - Claire Heath Luttrell, Anna-Laura Catherine Luttrell, Thomas Christopher Judkins, and William Joseph Judkins. A sister, Cynthia Judkins Godbold, a son-in-law, Dr. Joseph Luttrell, a daughter-in-law, Lisa Lambert Judkins, and many nieces and nephews.

Cliff requested that there be no memorial service or funeral. Instead, a private family gathering to tell stories (mostly true) and a toast to his life. Cliff also requested that all friends raise a toast to "The World's Luckiest Man."

He is reported to say that given the chance, he'd do it all over again, but would fly faster and higher next time.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Salvation Army or St. Jude's Children Hospital.