In memoriam: Clifford 'Cliff' Eugene Orange, Division of Facilities
Clifford “Cliff” Eugene Orange, former university architect in the Division of Facilities, passed away on Aug. 24.
Born to the late Charles Orange and Mattie Orange, Orange had a 30-year career with Virginia Tech as university architect. Orange was also an accomplished guitar player, and he and his father enjoyed traveling, playing, and listening to bluegrass and gospel music at every opportunity. Orange also played with the local group Leroy and the New River Valley Boys with his good friends Leroy Quesenberry, Dan Lambert, Glenn Price, and David Smith. The quintet entertained crowds regularly at the Prices Fork Grange and other engagements.
Orange also was a huge train enthusiast and was known to many as “the guy with a caboose in his backyard.” With his passion for railroad travel and historical preservation, Orange bought and lovingly restored a decommissioned Norfolk & Western caboose and turned it into a private museum where he gave tours for members of the public, groups of school children, and others who shared his love of railroad history. Donations from Orange’s collection can be seen at the Montgomery Museum and a posthumous bequeathment to the Norfolk & Western Railway Historical Society to educate and engage generations to come.
Orange is survived by several aunts, numerous cousins, and many close friends and neighbors who will always cherish the memories of his kindness, good nature, and steadfast faith in God.
Orange’s full obituary is available online.
Virginia Tech employees who need assistance or counseling support may contact:
- TimelyCare
- Cook Counseling Center at 540-231-6557
- Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787
- Employee Assistance Program
