THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 7, 1994 TAG: 9408050265
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Jody Snider
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines
Clifton Slade says he never had to go out and find himself in the world.
He always knew who he was and what he wanted to do, he says.
Slade, 43, grew up in Bacon's Castle, where his father farmed peanuts, corn, soybeans, hogs, cattle and sheep.
``Growing up on a farm is what caused me to major in agriculture,'' Slade said. ``I already knew everything about farming. When I went to school for agriculture, I went to learn the names of what I already knew.''
Slade has been working as an extension service agent for 18 years.
He was an agent in Isle of Wight County from 1976 to 1979, and in Surry County from 1979 to 1991. He's been in Suffolk ever since.
``It's all about education and teaching,'' Slade said. ``And the whole city of Suffolk is my classroom, and all the citizens are my students. The ones who call me are the ones who are interested.''
Slade said he handles about 30 calls a day from his Suffolk office. He travels about 75 miles daily to visit five to six farms.
And he works with 42 master gardeners who help answer homeowners' questions on lawn and garden matters.
``I love it,'' Slade said. ``When I get to work, I never know what I'll be doing that day. I might be in a hog house at 11 a.m., and then in a peanut field at noon.''
Slade said if he runs across a problem in the field that he doesn't know how to solve, he tries to find an answer.
``It can make for a hectic day, but for the most part, it's a great job,'' he said.
Name: Clifton A. Slade.
What brought you to Suffolk: A good opportunity for promotion with the Suffolk Extension Service.
Hometown: Bacon's Castle.
Birthdate: Sept. 21, 1953.
Nickname: Clif.
Occupation: Extension agent.
Marital status: Separated.
Children: Two girls, ages 13 and 18.
Favorite movies: ``Boomerang'' and ``The Color Purple.''
Favorite magazine: ``Men's Health.''
A book you wish everyone would read, why? ``The Color Purple.'' For an appreciation of the accomplishments of women in our society.
Favorite night out on the town: Friday. I like to go to dinner and then dancing.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Cheers.
Favorite food and drink: Shrimp and lemonade.
Few people know . . . that I have identical scars on the back of both my wrists. One scar is from a knife cut and the other is from a bike accident. The two accidents were 10 years apart.
What's the best thing about yourself? I love to help people with their problems.
Worst habit: Not keeping the desk in my office looking neat.
First thing in the morning: I thank God that I'm alive and that I still have good health.
Pets: A dog named Douglas and fish named Oscar, Jack and Cat.
Hobbies: Fishing and gardening.
Ideal vacation: Anywhere fishing.
Pet peeve: Someone who ignores me when I have spoken to them, and I know they've heard me.
First job: Working in the high school cafeteria.
Worst job: Working in the high school cafeteria.
What achievements are you most proud of? Becoming a battalion commander at the Portsmouth National Guard Armory. And I was the outstanding individual in the mid-career category for the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service in 1993.
What would you like on your epitaph? ``Here lies a man who has been all he can be in his civilian and military jobs.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Clifton Slade
by CNB