Albert Rodney Clayton

Albert Rodney Clayton was born on January 27, 1942, in West Chester, PA, to Edward Eugene Clayton and Cora May Messner. His father was a farm manager and moved his family from Pennsylvania to Elkton, MD, where he lived for several years, then moved to Chestertown, MD. He was a resident in Kent County, MD, for 64 years. For 42 of those, he resided in Kennedyville, MD. He was married to the most beautiful woman in Chestertown, Gloria Jean Wiltbank, for 61 years. A hard-working man, Albert wore many hats. He worked in many areas of farming as a young man. He had Al’s Auto Body Shop in Chestertown, he was a mailman in Kennedyville for 20 years, and a truck driver. Albert was also a Volunteer Firefighter at Station 4 in Kennedyville where he had the privilege to serve as Chief, President, and Treasurer. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, and he served on the Water board. His wife and daughters say he was an amazing dance partner. He danced on American Bandstand in Philadelphia when young. In Chestertown at the Uptown club, he saw Fats Domino, one of his favorite artists. He also collected antiques. He had a great sense humor and a playful personality. He will be most remembered for his many acts of kindness and generosity. He gave to family, friends, and strangers alike. He was the life of the party and an extremely hospitable soul, deeply loved by all of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Albert and Gloria had seven children together--his eldest son, Philip Rodney Clayton; first set of twins Mary Elizabeth McHenry (Danny) and Joseph Edward Clayton (Betsy); second set of twins, Marjorie Ann Suastegui (Lauro) and Rebekah Jean Marquez (Luis); and the third set of twins, David Eugene Clayton (Stefanie) and Amy May Clayton. He was not very expressive about his emotions, but his consistency at the dinner table and constant acts of service to all left no doubt of the great love he had for all of us. He had our backs and taught by example. One thing that brought great joy to his life was gardening. Every year he put up corn and lima beans for the winter with his children and grandchildren. Unfortunately, he won’t be there to supervise this year’s harvest. Plants weren’t the only thing he helped to grow--Albert loved people. He would give anyone a helping hand, be it towing your car, fixing your flat tire, or helping you get a good start in life. He was dependable in good times and bad. He never complained about his pain but soothed it by helping you with yours. He was hospitable and generous to all. Anyone who stepped into his home was an extension to the family - a trait that all of his children have inherited. He took care of his family, and he supported them. He was what a man, a father, and a friend should be. Although he was not religious (he was a spiritual man), the book of Ecclesiastes describes him well. “A good name is better than good oil, and the day of death is better than the day of birth. The living should take it to heart.” May we all take to heart his example of life; striving to make good name for ourselves as Albert did for 80 years. Many said he was a lucky man – however, his family and friends believe they are the fortunate ones to have had him in their lives. May his legacy live on forever to be remembered and loved. He was preceded in death by his twin brother, John; brothers, Eddy and Charles (Sonny); and sister, Marianne. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gloria Jean Clayton; all seven of his children and their spouses; grandchildren, Megan (Holden) Smith, Cassi Clayton (Radak), Kyle Clayton, Lauren (Zach) Armbruster, Mallory (Travis) Spry, Cory Clayton, Angeles (Henry) Marquez, Keelyn Clayton, Annistyn Clayton, Brayden Wallace, Landon Wallace; Waylon David Clayton who spent almost every day of his now seven years with his Pop-pop; as well as great-grandchildren Lucy, Ella, Nash, Cain, Forest, and Jax. Services will be held on Saturday, August 27, at 12:00 pm at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home in Chestertown. A visitation will be held two hours prior from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kennedyville Volunteer Fire Company at 11993 Kennedyville Road, Kennedyville, MD 21645.

Albert Rodney Clayton

January 27, 1942 - August 19, 2022