Francis Clayton

Francis, or Frank as he was known by friends and family, was born in Lauderdale, MS in June 1930, the 2nd of four children of Fred and Edna Clayton.  He graduated from Mississippi State with a BA and a MS and then later with an EdD from University of Southern Mississippi in 1978.  Frank served two years in the Army stationed in Puerto Rico in 1952-1954.

Dr. Clayton had a love of education and taught in the Orange County School System for 33 Years, nearly all of it at Colonial High School.   He was also a dedicated and contributing member of the Azalea Park United Methodist Church and taught many Bible study classes through the years.

Frank and Carolyn loved travelling and Frank had a special love of the Alaskan wilderness.  He also loved plants, the sun, and working in the yard.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Wilmer Clayton.

He was devoted to his wife of 62 years, Carolyn, and they raised their children in Orlando.  He is survived by his wife; sisters, Leila Truelove and Faye (William) Hatcher, and sister-in-law, Frances (Dempsey) Clayton Broadhead; and his children, Anthony (Cindy) Clayton, Kevin (Beth) Clayton, and Tina (Brian) Holton; and his five grandchildren.

Pop Pop, as he was lovingly known by his grandchildren, loved spending time with all of them; Jessica (Justin) Clayton-Varney, Allie Clayton, Nichole Clayton, Cameron Holton, and Aaron Holton.

Visitation/Viewing will be held January 18, 2022, from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home at 2811 Curry Ford Road.  A memorial service will be held on January 19, 2022, at 11 am at Azalea Park United Methodist Church.  Following this service, Frank will be laid to rest at Glen Haven Memorial Park.

In honor of Frank’s boundless generous spirit, please feel free to donate to your favorite charity in lieu of flowers.

I Thessalonians 5:16-22

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you.  Do not quench the Spirit.  Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.