J. Harold Clayton

Johnny Harold Clayton, 85, of Rockingham, died Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at Sandhills Regional Medical Center in Hamlet. Mr. Clayton was born September 18,1926 in Cherokee County, Georgia, a son of the late Sanford Levi and Ada James Clayton. He served his country during World War II in the US Navy and had retired as yardmaster for SCL Railroad. He had been an active member of First United Methodist Church of Rockingham and enjoyed his work in the homebound ministry. He was preceded in death by his sister and brother in law, Lorene and D.H. West. Surviving are his son, Johnny H. Clayton, Jr and wife Debbie of Hamlet; daughter, Tina Clayton Sellers and husband Johnny of Shallotte; grandchildren, John-David Clayton and wife Beth, Bryan-Michael Clayton and wife Kimberly, Emma-Rae Sellers and her companion James McDonald; great grandson, Mason Hoyle; brother, James Clayton and wife Johnsie of Brandon, Florida; and sisters, Eloise Currin and husband Jack of Wilmington, Doris Russell of Wilmington, and Joyce Pigg of Monroe. A service to celebrate Harold’s life will be held at 11:00 am Saturday at First United Methodist Church of Rockingham with Rev. Allison Coltrane Farrah officiating. Interment will follow privately in Richmond County Memorial Park. The family will see friends following the service at the church and at other times at the Clayton home, 137 Cloud St. Hamlet, NC. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 410 E. Washington St., Rockingham, NC 28379.