Billy Franklin Clifton, age 85, passed away on Saturday, December 8, 2018, at VCU Medical Center. Born February 28, 1933, in Reidsville, he was the son of the late Arthur Davis Clifton and Lona Duggins Clifton.
A private burial service will be held at Reidlawn Cemetery followed by a memorial service at Main Street United Methodist Church on Wednesday, December 12, at 1:00 pm with Rev. Joe Tarpley officiating. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall following the service.
Billy served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. From a young age, Billy displayed a strong business sense and work ethic and found his passion for real estate, beginning his career with William C. Stokes and Company. He later started his own business, Clifton Realty, that he managed until his retirement. Billy was engaged in his community serving in the Reidsville Jaycees, the Jefferson Penn Masonic Lodge, Reidsville City Council and was an active member at Main Street United Methodist Church. He always had a great love and respect for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He was predeceased by his wife, Martha Jo Clifton, and is survived by their children, daughter, Kimberly Clifton Gottwald of Richmond, Va; son, Stephen Franklin Clifton and wife, Amy Street Clifton of Richmond, Va; nine grandchildren, Nancy Gottwald Hartt and husband, Charlie, Caroline Gottwald Rider and husband, Ned, Bruce Cobb Gottwald III, William Hays Gottwald, Kimberly Cavell Gottwald, Martha Elizabeth Gottwald, Jack Hamilton Clifton, William Harrison Clifton and Hunter Elizabeth Clifton; and great grandchildren, William Franklin Hartt and Margaret Oliva Hartt.
Memorial contributions may be made to Rockingham Community College Foundation, Martha Jo and Billy Clifton Scholarship, P.O. Box 38, Wentworth, NC 27375.