Bill was born on March 11, 1930, in Highland Park, MI to Bowman Hezekiah and Katie Gladys (Miller) Clanton, but his formative years were in Madison Heights, MI, where he grew up attending Edison Elementary and Madison High School. During his high school years, he worked at N.A. Woodworth which kickstarted a 45-year career in the machinist industry.
Shortly after graduation, Bill married the love of his life, his childhood pal, Eva Mae Kirkwood. Later in their marriage, Bill and Eva grew their family to include sons, Jerry and Tom. His wife and sons meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he mentioned often. As a father, Bill consistently had a strong work ethic, to ensure a good life for his family. Bill and Eva were lifelong partners until Eva’s passing in 2005.
Bill was a veteran of the Korean War, stationed in Fort Bragg, NC, where he proudly served as a medic. He often shared his memories of providing care for his fellow soldiers and felt it a deep honor to serve his country in that role.
Bill was also a passionate golfer and could be found most weekends on the course. When he retired, his passion doubled and he became a voracious weekly golfer, living it up with his many friends who also shared a love of the game. He was also a lover of a good joke and was the consummate kidder, it was his way of showering love on those around him. Bill also enjoyed a good cup of coffee and had a big sweet tooth to go along with it! He had a strong faith and attended the Church of Christ his whole life. In his later years, Bill looked forward to his weekly Saturday visits at home by his grandson, Eric who shared in his love of French toast!
Anyone who knew Bill knew that he was a loving spouse, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Bill is predeceased by his wife, Eva, his son, Tom, his brother John, and sister Jackie. He is survived by his son Jerry (Nancy Urbas), his daughter-in-law, Lynn (Rushford) Clanton, his grandchildren Rachel (Jason Smilowski), Becky (Jurgen Luders), Chrissy (Brett Thomas), Eric, Scott, and Valerie, and his sister, Joyce Clanton Vanover. His six great-grandchildren were the apple of his eye.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bill’s memory to Progressive Lifestyles, Inc., a non-profit organization providing innovative support and caring residential opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Oakland County. Address: 6600 Highland Rd., Ste. 11A, Waterford, MI 48327 or online at www.progressivelifestylesinc.org
Visitation (10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.) and Service (12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.) will be held on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at Edward Swanson and Son Funeral Home, 30351 Dequindre Rd., Madison Heights, MI 48071. A celebration of life will follow in Spring of 2022.
