Mr. Gary Kent Clifton, age 81 of Patrick Springs, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at his home after a year long battle with lung cancer. He was born in Henry County on February 20, 1932 to the late Daniel F. and India Wood Clifton. He graduated in June, 1950 from Chicago Vocational School, and served proudly in the United States Navy from May, 1952 through May, 1956 during the Korean Conflict. His theater of operation on The Cruiser USS Roanoke included the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Carribean. Mr. Clifton retired from DuPont in Martinsville with 28 years of service. He was a faithful member of Critz Baptist Church where he served many years as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, choir member, and served on many committees.
Mr. Clifton is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Wood Clifton of the home; one daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and David Gregory of Stuart; two sons and daughters-in-law, Ron and Betty Clifton of Ridgeway, Perry and Barbara Clifton of Belews Creek, North Carolina; three grandchildren, Dustin Gregory of Stuart, Kristin Gregory of Stuart, and Amanda Clifton Horn and husband, Levi of San Diego, California; two great-granddaughters, Cheyenne Gregory of Stuart and Savannah Horn of San Diego.
Funeral services will be held Friday, December 6, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart with Rev. Mark Hackler and Rev. Billy Dixon officiating. Burial will follow in the Plaster Family Cemetery in Vesta with military rites by the Patrick County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. The family would like to thank the staff of the Ravenel Oncology Center and Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care for their care during this difficult time. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.