Clyde Alfred Morton

Clyde Alfred Morton was born to the late Smoot Douglas Morton, Sr., and Hattie Lofty Morton on May 4, 1952. He entered eternal rest on October 24, 2025. Memories of Clyde will be forever held by his loving wife, Sheila West-Morton, with whom he shared 26 years of marriage. They both never called each other by their first names, but instead lovingly called each other “Pada.”

Clyde was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Rashad Morton, Sr., his sister Estelle Simon, brothers Joseph Morton and Garfield Morton, Sr., and his mother-in-law, Louise Williamson. Memories of him will always be kept by his daughters, Glenice Beale and Alexandra Morton, his son-in-law, Spencer Beale, and his stepsons, Derrick West and Dana West. Also holding onto loving memories of him forever are his brother, Smoot Morton, Jr., sisters, Gloria Johnson, Brenda East, Nancy Buckner and Trudy Boyd, brothers-in law, Tyrone Johnson, Beau Buckner and Jacob East, and sister-in-law, Gail Morton. His grandchildren, Julian Beale, Morgan Beale, Rashad Morton, Jr., Amari Morton, Cameron Morton, Breon Matthews and Raegan Matthews, and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Clyde grew up surrounded by love and laughter as the sixth child in a close-knit family, in a small community just outside of Catlett, Virginia. His childhood was filled with sunshine and open fields where days were spent racing barefoot through tall grass, wandering along quiet country roads, visiting kin, friends, and neighbors, who were all just like family.

He was educated in the public schools of Fauquier County and earned the fond label of “momma’s boy” as the youngest son. After turning 18, Clyde voluntarily enlisted into the United States Army, serving his nation with honor and courage in the Vietnam War. Like so many of his fellow soldiers, the war left invisible scars upon his spirit, and he made sacrifices for which there can never truly be repayment. His bravery, however, will never fade from memory.

Clyde held several positions after his military service, including an inventory assistant at British Aircraft Corporation, a counselor at Veterans Hospital for disabled veterans, and more recently a security officer at a local mall and shopping center. He loved helping his family and his community and even delved into electrical work in his spare time.

At an early age, Clyde received the Lord Jesus Christ and was baptized at Hearts Delight Baptist Church where he attended Sunday Bible Study. He was a member of New Canaan Baptist Church and served on the Usher Board and Way-Out Ministry. Clyde was a participant in the Men’s Discipleship and received a certificate of completion for Men’s 33.

Clyde loved to drive and for many years he and his wife spent their summer vacations traveling to Florida. Their tradition began during their honeymoon, when Clyde discovered a Flea Market Mall that sparked his enthusiasm for the area. He had a fondness for flea markets and thrift stores, and his excitement for Florida was so strong that he chose to return there year after year rather than explore new destinations. Although the drive took at least 14 hours, Clyde always preferred it over flying. As he grew older and driving long distances became more difficult, he reluctantly accepted flying as a practical alternative. However, since air travel was never his favorite, he eventually opted for shorter road trips to Williamsburg, Virginia, which allowed him to continue enjoying travel without the strain of long drives.

Clyde’s life, like many, was marked by both trials and triumphs. Yet through it all, he remained steadfast, never ceasing to fight for his faith, hope, and peace. In his faith, he found both strength and purpose in serving the Lord.

Clyde loved his family, and that love was returned to him. His presence will be dearly missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.