George Ralph Clayton, Sr. was born to Ross Edward Clayton and Hattie Mae Clayton (nee Blackwell) of St. George Island, Maryland on October 15, 1928. He departed this life on November 27, 2014 at his residence in Piney Point, Maryland. George Ralph Clayton, Sr. was known as Ralph by all who knew him. He was a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, community member and leader.
As a child Ralph’s father taught him the importance of working and education. As a teenager he worked at the Swann’s Restaurant to buy school clothes. In addition, he learned to be a Waterman by assisting his father and older brother Floyd Edward Clayton. This skill allowed him to gain employment and partake in recreational activities on the water.
He was an avid reader and historian. Each day started with a daily devotional and the bible was always open in his home. Throughout his life, Ralph enjoyed watching the steamboats on the river, playing horse shoes, dancing, reading the newspaper, and completing crossword puzzles. His home was always open to family and friends as he found much joy in being around people.
He received his formal education in the St. Mary’s County Public School System. He had fond memories of walking to school, participating in plays, and mastering his lessons. Math and science were his favorite subjects. This background opened up opportunities for a career in Engineering. Like his father, Ralph instilled the importance of education in his children and grandchildren. He used his knowledge of math and science to assist them with many school projects at all stages of his life. He used every opportunity possible to educate himself and those around him.
Ralph spent his professional career as an engineer with Steuart Petroleum Company of Piney Point, Maryland. He was a member of the National Association of Power Engineers. Ralph graduated from National Foam Flammable Liquid Firefighting School at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Before graduating he completed all required courses relating to flammable liquid fire protection. As a result of his engineering training he was certified as a Stationary Engineer with the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (DLLR). In addition, he was certified as an Engineer with the State Board of Examiners in Baltimore, Maryland. He maintained his engineering licenses up until his death.
Ralph was an active member of St. Luke U.A.M.E. Church in Piney Point, Maryland. He came to know Christ at a young age and applied biblical principles in his daily life. He made sure his children and grandchildren were given a strong Christian foundation. He was involved in the following ministries: trustee, transportation committee, kitchen committee, the brotherhood, usher board, and choir. Two ministries were very dear to his heart: maintaining the graveyard on St. George Island and maintaining the upkeep of St. Luke U.A.M.E. Church until his illness. He received several certificates and plaques in recognition of his Christian Stewardship presented by St. Luke U.A.M.E. Church.
In Ralph’s youth he married the late Margaret Rosalee Clayton (nee Lawrence). During their marriage they built a home for their children, extended family, and friends. From their union there were seven children. He also recognized his devoted niece and nephews (Lois, Peggy, Eddie, Johnny, Bill, and Wayne) as his own. Later in life he married Mary Nellie Lawrence.
He was preceded in death by his first wife (Margaret Rosalee), siblings (Catherine, Floyd, and Betty), and children (Cornell, Deborah, Steven, and Joseph Aloysius).
He leaves to cherish his memory: son-George Ralph Clayton, Jr., daughters- Jane Constance Bailey (Zane) and Marian Victoria Tanner (Freddie), grandchildren-Toney, Kenny, Bridget, Hope, Zané, Jachin, Justin, Derrick, and God-daughter- Marsha Blackwell. In addition he will be missed by his great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.
Services will be held at St. Luke U.A.M.E. Church, Piney Point, MD on Friday, December 5, 2014. Viewing will be at 10:00 am and services at 11:00 am. Interment will be held at St. George Catholic Church Cemetery, Valley Lee, MD.
Arrangements by Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home.
