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From The West Carroll Gazette

Late soldier’s friendship spans decades

American soldiers not only defend our nation as they serve their country, they also leave lasting impressions, some that last a lifetime and even pass on to the next generation.
Such is the case with Clinton Pickering who left Fiske Union for service in World War II. While in England during the war years, the young man touched the lives of a family there and was blessed with their friendship,which still lives decades later. Clinton died in a car crash in Jackson, MS, in 1959, according to his daughter.
The Gazette received the following note from Lin Chubb of England who has been in contact with Glenda Brumley, Clinton Pickering’s daughter. Her text tells the story:
“I have been given your email address by Glenda Brumley. I first spoke to Glenda by internet on 26th December 2015. I had been looking for her for a few months. During WW2 Glenda’s dad was in Chippenham England with the US Army.
“They were stationed at Hardenhuish, Chippenham. My father, Roy Cleverly, was a young lad of about 13 years of age. He and his friends would go to the army base, and often be invited to play football, or baseball with the soldiers. This is how my dad met Glenda’s dad. They became friends, and my grandparents invited him home for tea on a number of occasions.
“My Aunt was due to be married, and Clinton managed to get some tinned fruit from the base, to help with their wedding reception. Rationing was in at that time, and my aunt was so happy with this.
“In 1959, my aunt and uncle purchased a piece of land where the army base had been. They built a house on it. None of the houses had number to start with, so they decided to give them names. My dad suggested ‘Clinton.’
“My aunt passed away in 2011, and my husband and I inherited the house. We now live there. I decided I would like to know what happened to Clinton. We spent hours trawling the internet. We came across details of Clinton’s passing on “ find a grave” website. I must admit I cried when I found he had passed away in 1959. It seemed ironic that it was the same year the house was built. I thought we had reached a dead end. Then I remembered my dad saying Clinton had a daughter. We searched every web site we could think of.
“Eventually we came across an email from Glenda Brumley looking for details of the Pickering family, and listing her father as Clinton Pickering. More searching, nothing.
“Then I decided to put her name in face book. Result. Then the big decision, should I contact her or not? I decided I would. ‘Glenda was your father Clinton Pickering stationed in England during WW2?’ She replied that yes her father had been in England during the war. I then sent her a copy of a photo we have. She sent back, “That’s my dad, Clint Pickering”. It was very emotional.
“We chat by internet on a regular basis, it’s great to have found her, and to have a new friend. I hope this email helps you. Please feel free to use it for the paper.
“Unfortunately my father has said that he didn’t want to know what had happened to Clinton, he was afraid he had been killed in action, and would rather remember him as he was. So I haven’t told him Glenda and I are in touch. Feel free to contact me if you require any more information.”--Lin Chubb

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