Willis Allen Clayton

Mr. Willis A. Clayton, 71, of Boydton, VA entered eternal rest Saturday February 14, 2015 at VCU/MCV Hospital, Richmond, VA. Mr.  Clayton was born October 10, 1943 in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, to the late Green and Elizabeth Clayton.       He received his education in the Mecklenburg County Public School system and continued his education, receiving an Associate Degree from Southside Community College.  At an early age, he joined Rocky Mount Baptist Church.  He served seven years in the United States Army before transitioning to employment with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Department for 30 years before retiring. He was the first African-American hired as a Deputy for the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Department, and later achieved the second highest rank of Chief Deputy, making him the first African- American Chief Deputy in Mecklenburg County.  He was an active member of the Mecklenburg Saddle Club located in Boydton, Virginia.  Cherishing his memories are his wife, Laura J. Clayton of Boydton, Virginia; two sons, Willis A. Clayton Jr. of Boydton, Virginia and Neil A. Clayton (Lorena) of Puyallup, Washington; one daughter, Stephanie Y. Robertson of South Hill, Virginia;  six grandsons; two brothers, Green Clayton (Virginia) of Richmond, Virginia, Robert Clayton of Clarksville, Virginia; two sisters, Doris Townes (Charles) of Clarksville, Virginia and Annette Clayton of Boydton, Virginia; father-in- law, William Jefferson of Henderson, North Carolina; mother-in-law Edna Jefferson of Henderson, North Carolina; five sisters-in-law, Doris Fisher, Margaret Allen, Claudette Taylor, Gwendolyn Jefferson, and Joyce Jefferson; two brothers-in-law, William Jefferson and James Fisher and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services for Mr. Willis A. Clayton will be conducted 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 20, 2015 at the chapel of C. H. Harris Funeral Home, Buffalo Junction, VA with Rev. Charles D. Allen delivering the eulogy. Burial with military honors will follow in Rocky Mount Baptist Church Cemetery, Skipwith, VA. Public viewing for family and friends will be Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Arrangements are by C.H. Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clarksville, VA.  Services 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 20, 2015 C. H. Harris Funeral Home Buffalo Junction, VA Interment with Military Honors Rocky Mount Baptist Church Cemetery Skipwith, VA