Harry Fletcher Clayton

Harry Fletcher Clayton, Jr. Born in Charleston,SC. A humble servant of God, a wonderful loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and true friend to many. Harry was a light in the world for family, friends, and strangers alike. He was married to the love of his life, the late Sarah Jeanelle Varnadoe Clayton, for over 66 years. He was the father of two daughters Kim Jones and and Pam Savage (Phil), six grandchildren, Ben Jones (Sara), Brett Jones (Christina), Thad Jones (Amanda), Seth Jones (Katie), Savannah Clayton (Jared), and Ali Savage; six great grandchildren, Luci, Kaylyn, Grady Nelle Jones; Clayton, Caroline, and Thayer Jones; and a brother Donald Clayton (Peggy) and sister Janice Tyler(Jimmy) both of Charleston, SC.

After serving in the U. S. Navy (Airforce Squadron stationed in North Africa), Harry worked for Southern Bell Telephone Company for ~40 years. As one of Harry’ best friends and colleagues, Nick Matthews, put it “I could share stories about his ability, which put him head and shoulders above the folks around him. It was that ability and mentality and his application of that ability that took him -- with only a high school diploma -- from a lineman climbing poles in a South Carolina swamp to a Supervising Engineer. And a very good one. I honestly can't think of anyone who worked under Harry who didn't like and respect him.”

Harry was a Master Mason and life-time member of the Hammerton Masonic Lodge, in North Charleston, SC. He was also an active member at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Columbia, SC where he served on church council and the tape ministry for many, many years. He was a member of the Association of Lutheran Men and was active with the New Generation senior group at Ebenezer. He volunteered to work with the Telephone Pioneers of America on behalf of the South Carolina Association of the Deaf to obtain scrapped teletypewriter machines from various sources, restore and refurbish them and install them in the homes of people who were deaf. The families who benefited from those machines that Harry installed loved, respected and appreciated Harry because of his selfless efforts to make their lives a little better.

Through his love of fishing and boating, Harry became one of the founding members of The Weekenders, a club of Southern Bell employees who regularly camped, fished and (sometimes) hunted together. As with most organizations, most of the work was done by only a few of the members and, also as usual, Harry was one of that core group who got things done. Many hours of good fellowship were enjoyed by all because of the faithful effort of Harry and a few others.

Harry’s kindness and buoyant spirit shone through in his every interaction. His strength (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual) was evident in the way he chose to live his life. Yet, his humility was also evident to those who knew him. Harry was known for his keen wit as well as his readiness to offer words of thanks and praise. A leader by example, he was both self-reliant and forgiving of those in need. Harry consistently chose to put the needs of his family and others ahead of those of his own. He was always a gentleman who worked hard to live an honorable and virtuous life.

Harry will be missed dearly by those who had the privilege to share their lives with him.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 9, 2023 in Fort Jackson National Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at Ebenezer Lutheran Church at 11:30 a.m. The family will receive friends at the reception following the service at the church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dunbarfuneralhomedutchfork.com for the Clayton family.

Donations may be made to St. Jude Hospital, Boys Town, or Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1301 Richland Street, Columbia, SC, 29201.