John Houston Clanton

Mr. John Houston Clanton, age 89, extremely beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 23, ­at his residence with his family by his side. He was under the great loving care of Hospice of Savannah. He was born October 9, 1932 to John Daniel Clanton and Nataline Phillips Clanton in Chatham County.

He served in the Army and spent 15 months stationed in Korea. He served with the Navy Seabee’s and retired as a Career Counselor and Chaplain for the Navy Reserve Center in Savannah. After he left the Army, he went to work for Union Camp and served on various committees. He was a member of Pipefitter Local 188 and retired from Union Camp as a Pipefitter lead man after 44 years.

During his life he enjoyed singing gospel music and ministering at nursing homes in Richmond Hill and Midway. He was an ordained minister and loved to serve the Lord and preach the Gospel! He wrote and recorded gospel music. His “Good Life” CD reached number 1 & 3 on southern gospel category. He was once featured in the Savannah Morning News Bryan/Liberty Closeup section under the heading “Amateur singer-songwriter shares faith through music”. He has been a member of several singing groups traveling a wide area singing at revivals and gospel sings. He has been on programs with big-name acts like the Florida Boys and has sung on the radio.

He was a member of Fleming Baptist Church and assisted during the construction of the church and gym. He was very active in the community and loved to help people. He was a founding member of the Lake George Volunteer Fire Department. During his service with the Navy Seabees Construction Battalion, he coordinated their weekend duty to help construct the fire department building. He was once a deputized volunteer deputy sheriff for Liberty County and was issued a patrol car. He volunteered with the Red Cross. He was a Shriner, Mason, 3 Gallon Club Blood Donator and a VFW member.

John was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Ruby Atkinson and Evelyn Hammond; brothers, John Daniel Clanton Jr (JD), Howard Clanton, Everett Clanton, Robert Clanton; and son-in-law, Jarry Pierre (JP) Eichrodt. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Dorothy Hodges Terrell Clanton; sister, Mary Ann Moffet; two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael Clanton (Peggy) of Statesboro, and Rick Terrell (Shellie) of Rincon; three daughters and son-in-law, Janet  Anderson (Andy) of Harris Neck, Sharon Eichrodt of Savannah and Lisa Frantz of Rincon;  grandchildren, Phillip Perry (Erin), Matthew Perry (Jamie), Kristin Clanton, Dianna Eichrodt, Michael “Hunter” Clanton (Taylor), Elizabeth Frantz, McKenzie King (Josh),  Dr. Charles “Worth” Straughan (Jessica), Margo Easterling (John Wayne); and Danielle Hubbard; and  great-grandchildren, Kurt Eichrodt, Lane Clanton, Jones Clanton and Grayson Straughan.

A Celebration of Life will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Fleming Baptist Church, 3526 N. Coastal Highway 17, Midway, GA. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Daniel Baptist Cemetery. Live streaming can be seen at Fleming Baptist Church Facebook page (www.Fleming-Baptist.org) click on LIVE when it is time or Fleming Baptist Church YouTube.com. 

Memorial gifts may be directed to Hospice of Savannah. Their professional and lovely care team was a blessing in bringing some relief, assistance and joy to him and his family during this time.

Carter Funeral Home Bryan Chapel is handling the arrangements. To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.carterbryanchapel.com.