Rayford "RC" Clayton

Theodosia, Missouri

Rayford Renso Clayton, 97 years, 1 month, 14 days old, passed away on October 31, 2025 at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare in Ava, MO.

Rayford was born September 17, 1928 in Longrun, MO  to John Thomas and Defsia Lee (Absher) Clayton.

Rayford was raised in Ozark County and lived there all his life.

On August 28, 1957 Rayford and Freda Mae Hodges were united in marriage at Mtn. Home, AR. They built a house just north of Theodosia on the land that Rayford's family had homesteaded years earlier which was his grandparents, Calvin and Sarah Clayton.

When he was young in the 1950's he would travel to Washington and Oregon to harvest. Rayford loved working on his farm where he had hogs and beef cattle.  He also loved going to flea markets and yard sales but he'd rather be coyote hunting with his dog, Chief!

He was a Christian and of the Baptist faith. In his younger days he attended the Longrun Church.

Rayford was preceded in death by his parents; his step son, Dennis Roy McBride; his wife, Freda Mae; his brothers, Clifford Ralph, Tilford Jessie, Trellis Hascue, and Troy Lee Clayton; his sisters, Roxie Marie Roberts, Brooksie Neva Graves, Letha Elizabeth Brown, Lena Eunice Brown, and Lois Faye Mudd.

He is survived by many nieces; nephews; great nieces and nephews; other extended family and friends.

Graveside services for Rayford will be Monday, November 3, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. in the Hicks Cemetery, Theodosia, MO.  Officiating will be Brother David Mahan. Memorials may be made to Hicks Cemetery. Services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO.