Clifford Hair was born on August 10, 1934, to parents Jessy Hair and Betty Cornshucker at their home in Colcord, OK, on the Cherokee Indian reservation.   He and his two older brothers were born into the Cherokee nation.

Ten years later his father tragically passed during his military service.  Clifford's family then decided to move from Oklahoma to Colorado.  His stepfather Moss Wofford led a group of native people to work harvesting broom corn in the Walsh area.  The money was good and after harvest they returned to Oklahoma to the reservation. With all that work Clifford did not complete high school.  Instead he learned from on-the-job experience.

Clifford went on to California with a friend for work but soon decided to return to Colorado.

Clifford was married to Johnette Cora Bridge on September 15 ^th , 1955.  In those days everyone went to Clayton, New Mexico, to get married.  The story goes he asked to borrow a car from Kent Hetrick, a friend, so they could run down to Clayton.  Going to Clayton allowed couples to get married while not requiring a blood test.

After marrying Cora, they started a family in Vilas while working for a local farmer/rancher, Forrest Rutherford.  Clifford learned the trade of raising cattle, raising crops, and riding horses which were all things he loved.  He worked for Forrest on and off for 20 years.  Forrest let Clifford run his own cattle on 40 acres as well.  During this time Clifford and Cora made lifelong friends that seemed more like family than friends.

Upon the death of Forrest Rutherford, the running of the ranch was turned over to Clifford.  Soon after, times got tough and in about six years the Rutherford family decided to sell the farm.  Clifford went back to working for local farmers to provide for his family.  Then in 1986 he had an accident that left him with a bad leg.  After that he could not do a lot but he had his garden, fishing, and many crafts to keep him busy.  Clifford was well known to all for his crafting skills.  He spent many hours putting together native Indian items that would show and express his Cherokee heritage.  From the time of his accident, he was always in pain but never let it stop him.  Through it all you would never see him without a smile on his face.

Clifford is survived by his three sons Cliff Lee, Ricky Deen, and Rex.  His grandchildren Trina and family, Chambri and her husband Jason, Shalonn, Randy and his wife Becca, Cullen, and Shandra.  And Clifford's great grandchildren Maliky, Jadyn, Jensen, Janessa, Talon, Cyrus, Haven, Joycelynn, and Julian.

Clifford is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Johnetta Cora, his son Monty Ray, and brothers Dallas Botts, and Percy Benner.

Clifford Hair passed away at the age of 86 at his home surrounded by family on April 6 ^th , 2021.