Joe Neil Clayton

Joe Neil Clayton, 88, passed away May 1, 2017, at his home in Sachse, Texas.

Joe Neil was born November 28, 1928, in McAlester, Oklahoma, to L.B. and Era (Shiflett) Clayton. He was raised in Oklahoma, and graduated from Classen High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He then attended Abilene Christian College, where he met his wife, Selma Lois Hander. Joe Neil married Selma October 5, 1950 in Abilene Texas, and they were married 65 years before Selma preceded him in death in October of 2015.

He didn’t graduate from Abilene, instead he and Selma moved to Medford, Oklahoma, where he had been offered his first preaching job. This would be the first of many; through the years he preached in many places around the country: Aransas Pass TX, Butte MT, Noble OK, Huntsville AL, Long Beach CA, Montebello CA, Whittier CA, Sinton TX, Cleveland TX, Dumas TX, Oklahoma City OK, Greenville TX, and Loma Rica CA. He then retired, finally settling in Sachse, TX in 2010, when he and Selma moved to live with their daughter, Dana, and her family. He spent the last few years in Texas writing Bible commentaries, teaching classes at church and still preaching on occasion.

He was a lover of history: our nation’s history, world history, and of course, Biblical history. He had a very silly sense of humor, and loved making others laugh whenever there was an opportunity. He was a big fan of Disney, instilling that love in many of his children and grandchildren. He loved music and enjoyed sitting at the piano and playing songs for the family. Most importantly, though, Joe Neil was a strong man of faith, and lived his life striving to serve God, and by his teaching and example led his family to do the same.

Joe Neil is survived by his brother, Bob Clayton and sister-in-law Vonnie; four children and their spouses, Terry and Donna Clayton, Michelle and Ronnie Malone, Dana and Ron Ritchie, and Juline and Joe Rose; eleven grandchildren, Brad Malone, Cara (Malone) and husband David McCrain, Chad Ritchie, Justin Clayton, Sean Malone, Aimee Ritchie, Aaron Clayton, Valerie Ritchie, Hailey Rose, Emma Rose, and Sadie Rose; and four great-grandchildren, Felicity Ritchie, Ella McCrain, Lucy McCrain, and Daisy Clayton.

There will be a visitation 6-8 p.m., Friday, May 5th at Charles W. Smith Funeral Home in Sachse, TX, and a memorial service held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 6th at Campbell Road Church of Christ (2828 W Campbell Rd. Garland, TX 75044). A private graveside service for the family will be held after the memorial service.