John Clifton Laughlin

Clifton Laughlin - officially John C. Laughlin – but better known as Cliff, Cliffy, chief, or “Clunk” was a self-made man. From the time he was a boy, he was working. Whether on farms, the highway, or helping masters at their trade, he developed a work ethic that will never be rivaled. He eventually settled on brick masonry as a formal trade and along with his brothers became a master brick layer and formed a business with them that stayed in high demand due to their speed and quality.

He had many loves in life from animals to cars to architecture to construction design, but his most significant love was for working and for family. There’s nothing he would not do for family. Both immediate, distant, and peripheral friends that he also considered family. There are probably not many people here that can say the man did not do something significant for them at some point. He didn’t have many hobbies, but you could definitely qualify cars and work as his most enjoyed pass times.

Born April 17, 1951 to his beloved mother Nora Goodman Laughlin, he is survived by many and will be missed by all. He was born without a father as his father died of a work accident three months before his birth. This made him closest with his mother Nora, and their bond was unbreakable and unconditional. The youngest of a large group of brothers and sisters, he grew up lean, hard, and determined.

He worked hard and worked for everything he had. He worked hard so that his family would not have to. He knew no color barrier and sometimes remarked, “I only see one color, and that’s green.” (LOL)

He could have relaxed and enjoyed his retirement and the fruits of his labor but continued working in some capacity up until the day that he passed. He remained dedicated to everyone around him, especially his family, forever.

Survived by ex-wife ,Debbie Crane Laughlin; Sons ,Bryan Clifton Laughlin, Jason Edward Laughlin, and Keenan Gage Laughlin; Favorite grandson, Alexander Clifton Laughlin; Ex-wife Svetlana, and her daughter Katerina or Kate; Brothers, Vivian Haden, and Leland “Magoo”; Sisters, Nellie Bruffy Breeden, and Diana Laughlin Baldwin; A slew of nieces and nephews.

Even more friends, acquaintances, workers, and employees that he also considered part of the fam (the Browns) (The Owens) (The Whites) (Wayne) (Phil) (Stacey) (Amanda) (Ronnie) and so on with too many to mention

And his lovable, half-retarded, fully-privileged, all-black German Shepherd (Dakota-bear or “Koda”)

And last but not least (his prized 1969 Mustang GT Fastback) which will live on in fame and infamy

He was the original Fast & Furious. Interpret that any way you like. He was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer a few years ago but proudly proclaimed, “I’m not dying.” And if Clifton Laughlin said something, he meant it. He beat the brakes off cancer and continued kicking ass and working. He met obstacles head-on, sometimes seemingly joyously, and broke through them like they were just another bump in the road he loved travelling – usually at high speeds.

He did things his way. He often received advice and took it under advisement but ultimately wound-up doing it his way. Because his way, while sometimes not necessarily the easiest way, got the job done. His way is what got results. There will never be another like him. He was the true man-of-steel with hands and skin to match. He will forever be loved and missed. He was the strongest man I’ve ever met.

A Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, June 14, 2026 at Tharp Funeral Chapel, Bedford. The family will receive friends from 6:00- 8:00 pm Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Tharp Funeral Home Bedford 320 North Bridge Street 24523. Burial will follow the service in Pisgah Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford is assisting the family.