SANFORD — Clifford R. Ryea Jr., 87, of Sanford, died at his home on Friday, May 23, 2014.

Clifford was born on May 25, 1926 to Clifford and Isabel (Osborn) Ryea in Pawling, N.Y., where he grew up and attended local schools. 

After graduating from high school, he served in the United States Navy during World War II. After completing his term in the military, Clifford relocated to New Jersey, where he attended college and earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting.

In 1949, he married Lois Dykeman and together they shared 64 years of marriage and raised seven children. Clifford and his wife moved to Maine in 1976. He was employed as an accountant by several large firms for many years until he retired at the age of 56 due to declining health. 

Clifford enjoyed fishing and playing cards, especially his favorite game, pinochle. He had been a member of the Sanford First Baptist Church.

He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather and great-grandfather and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by: his wife, Lois Ryea of Sanford; seven children, Linda Hence of Willimantic, Conn., Laura Paulson of Acushnet, Mass., Karen Wagers of Edgewater, Fla., Larry Ryea of Sanford, Brian Ryea and his wife Sheila of Sanford, John Ryea of Rochester, N.H. and Matthew Ryea of Sanford; a sister, Lucy Smith of New York; 14 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27 at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home located at 580 Main St. in Springvale. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28 at the Oakdale Cemetery located on Twombley Road in Sanford. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.blackfuneralhomes.com.