Obituary for John Lee Clayton
On Friday, December 2, 2022, John L. Clayton was called to his eternal home. A proud military man, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend began his earthly journey November 13,1947 to the late TJ and Minerva January in Seminary, MS. During his time here many were touched by his presence.
As a member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, John was more than a benchwarmer. He was known to lend a helping hand whenever and wherever needed or called upon. This sentiment was a true testament to how he affected the lives of the people he interacted with daily.
During his formal school years, he was an avid football enthusiast. One of his proudest moments was being a part of the undefeated 1964 football team of Earl Travillion High School. He graduated from Earl Travillion High School in 1966 and thereafter continued his education while attending Delta State University from 1966-1967. John had other goals in mind and left college to enlist in the United States Air Force in 1967. Throughout the course of his military career he received many awards, certifications, accolades and accommodations: Service of Sacrifice, Aerospace, Ground and Equipment Repairment course, Traffic Safety, Air University Extension Course Institute, just to name a few. January 12, 1973 he received his honorable discharge from the United States Air Force.
John’s love for the game of football did not end with his high school years, he was a proud Bama fan and most importantly a fan of the New Orleans Saints. He loved watching the game with friends and family, oftentimes on the grill fixing his famous BBQ ribs alongside his colorful, mind-blowing personality and antics. As the years went by he also grew to love the game of golf.
His love for sports was incomparable to the love that he showed to his family and friends. He is preceded in death by both of his parents, TJ and Minerva January, brothers,Tommy Lee Clayton, and Jeffrey January. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife Shirley Clayton, son Topeka Clayton both of Hattiesburg, MS, and daughter Stacy Jordan of Tracy, CA. Siblings: Marine (Howard) Bass, Myra (Charles) Burns of Petal, MS, Naretha McInnis, and Thomas (Patricia) January,of Hattiesburg, MS. His grandchildren: Christopher Clayton, Ashley Clayton, Daphne McLean, Gabriella and Luke Talucci, Carrington and Cameron Husband. A special Great-nephew Joseph Pittman along with a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.
As a member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, John was more than a benchwarmer. He was known to lend a helping hand whenever and wherever needed or called upon. This sentiment was a true testament to how he affected the lives of the people he interacted with daily.
During his formal school years, he was an avid football enthusiast. One of his proudest moments was being a part of the undefeated 1964 football team of Earl Travillion High School. He graduated from Earl Travillion High School in 1966 and thereafter continued his education while attending Delta State University from 1966-1967. John had other goals in mind and left college to enlist in the United States Air Force in 1967. Throughout the course of his military career he received many awards, certifications, accolades and accommodations: Service of Sacrifice, Aerospace, Ground and Equipment Repairment course, Traffic Safety, Air University Extension Course Institute, just to name a few. January 12, 1973 he received his honorable discharge from the United States Air Force.
John’s love for the game of football did not end with his high school years, he was a proud Bama fan and most importantly a fan of the New Orleans Saints. He loved watching the game with friends and family, oftentimes on the grill fixing his famous BBQ ribs alongside his colorful, mind-blowing personality and antics. As the years went by he also grew to love the game of golf.
His love for sports was incomparable to the love that he showed to his family and friends. He is preceded in death by both of his parents, TJ and Minerva January, brothers,Tommy Lee Clayton, and Jeffrey January. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife Shirley Clayton, son Topeka Clayton both of Hattiesburg, MS, and daughter Stacy Jordan of Tracy, CA. Siblings: Marine (Howard) Bass, Myra (Charles) Burns of Petal, MS, Naretha McInnis, and Thomas (Patricia) January,of Hattiesburg, MS. His grandchildren: Christopher Clayton, Ashley Clayton, Daphne McLean, Gabriella and Luke Talucci, Carrington and Cameron Husband. A special Great-nephew Joseph Pittman along with a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.