Clarence Wallace Clayton, Jr. of Mechums River passed from this life to be present with the Lord on July 17, 2014.

He was born May 3, 1935 at Miller School, VA. He was the son of Wallace and Alice Bailes Clayton. At the age of 12 Sonny received Christ as his Savior and Lord. At the time of his death he was a member of Mt. Ed. Baptist Church in Batesville.

Sonny served in the Army during the Korean War Conflict and returned to work briefly at Acme Visible Records in Crozet and later joined General Electric Company where he worked,for 35 years, until his retirement. He also owned and operated the Crozet Drive-In Theatre where he showed good family intertainment until booking companies took over the scheduling of movies. He decided it was time to close the Theatre. In addition to working for General Electric he also managed the Ridge Drive-In Theatre in Charlottesville.

Sonny and Betty Garwood, his childhood sweetheart, were married on May 29, 1954. They lived their entire married lives in the same lovely home, that he helped build at Mechums River. This meant something very special to them.

Sonny and Betty were greatly blessed by son, Clarence Timothy, who lives in Panama City, Florida. He and his wife, Lynn have four very wonderful children, Bryant, Micaylee, and twin boys, Ethan and Everett. Sonny and Betty's loving daughter, Betsy Laurie, and her former husband Thomas, blessed them with their first grandchild, Nicholas DeNome. Nicholas has blessed them in many ways. He lived near them and took on the responsibility of "looking out for them" and taking physical care of the property. Nicholas'mother, Betsy also took on a loving, carrying responsibility for her parents. Sonny and Betty love both of their children very much, as well as their grandchildren. Sonny and Betty often express their gratitude for the blessings received.

In spite of Sonny's diabetes and severe heart condition, he loved physical work. He was never a quitter, until his illness caused him to become bed fast and even then, he was often asked how he would handle a particular job.

Sonny was a quiet person and did many good things, without recognition. He was able to maintain his friendly smile and cheerful speech.

Among his devoted friends were the members of his Senior graduating class of Miller School, Class of 1952. They maintained a devoted friendship throughout the years.

He is survived by his sister, Naomi Poffenbarger of Charlotte, North Carolina and several nieces and a nephew who live there.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Andrews of Crozet. Her three daughters survive.

He had fond memories of many cousins, aunts and uncles from years gone by.

If you wish to make a memorable contribution in memory of Sonny Clayton, please do so; Mount Ed Baptist Church, P. O. Box 237, Batesville, VA 22924 or to a charity of your choice.

Family will receive friends at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, July 20, 2014 from 6-8 pm.

Funeral Services will be held at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel, Crozet on Monday, July 21, 2014 at 11:00 am and burial will follow at Holly Memorial Gardens in Charlottesville, VA.

Andersonfuneralservice@gmail.com