Jackie David (Rock) Clayton

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Jackie David Clayton, age 89, of Water Valley, MS died Friday, January 8, 2021, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, MS. Known as “Rock” from an early age, he was born June 18, 1931 in South Carolina to the late Adam and Julia (Parler) Clayton. After graduating from high school, Rock served our country during the Korean war in the United States Navy . After his service, he attended college at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. He worked at, and eventually retired from, Koppers Industries in Grenada, MS as plant manager. Rock had served as the president of the Moose Lodge, and was a member of VFW Post 4488 in Grenada, MS. He was a vital part of the restoration effort at the Pine Valley School House. Rock loved fishing, hunting, cooking out with his friends Billy Dorris and Jimbo Thompson, attending gospel singing, and Tabernacle Church. He also enjoyed traveling to Trinity Methodist Church in Givhans South Carolina for the Clayton family reunions.

Visitation is planned for Tuesday, January 26, 2021, in the Gardiner Room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 PM. Services will follow at 1:00 PM in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks with Bro. Charlie Fitts officiating. Burial will be in Tabernacle Church Cemetery with Billy Joe Dorris, Harley Camp, Damon Dorris, Daniel Dorris, Josh Angle, Tyler Angle, and Roger Arbuckle serving as pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be, Sonny Avant, John Forsyth, Michael Todd, Grant Thompson, Huntley Camp, and Hal Jones.

Rock is survived by his wife of 18 years, Darla Joni Camp – Clayton; three sons, David Clayton of Charleston, SC, Kevin Clayton (Stephanie) of Moncks Corner, SC, Thomas Clayton; one brother, Johnny Clayton of Givhans, SC; one sister, Betty Freeman, of Savannah, GA; eight grandchildren, with one special grandchild, Corey Arbuckle (Roger); and five great grandchilden including a special great grandchild, Carson Clayton Arbuckle.

Along with his parents, Rock was preceded in death by one brother; five sisters; and one infant daughter.