Frank Clayton, Jr. was born on July 21, 1960, to Overseer Dr. Willie Mae Clayton and the late Frank Clayton, Sr. He departed this life on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. He was 63 years old.
“Butch”, as he is affectionately known, attended elementary school at Katherine Brennan and middle school at Sheridan Middle School. Frank graduated from James Hillhouse High School in 1978. After graduation, Butch enlisted in the United States Army. While serving, he met a fellow soldier, Lawrence Richard Pratt, Jr. Together, they achieved Specialist 4 ranking and were decorated as sharpshooter marksmen. Their tour of duty took them to Germany, creating life-long memories, and their friendship has endured for 45 years. Frank was honorably discharged in 1981 and returned to New Haven.
One day, while visiting his Aunt Tommie Mae on Carmel Street, Butch saw Desiree Lee. He knew her and liked her throughout high school. In efforts to gain her attention, he made it a point to constantly annoy her. He succeeded in doing so, which resulted in her pouring an entire bottle of perfume all over him! They renewed their acquaintances on Carmel Street that day. They were married on Dec. 22, 1984. They would have celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary this December. To this union, Shanae Desiree Clayton was born.
Frank’s early Christian education was received at Pitts Chapel UFWB Church. As an adult, he united with Agape Christian Gratitude Center, under the leadership of Dr. Mattie Atkinson Darden. Frank was ordained a deacon in 1998. He was later ordained an Elder on Nov. 14, 2021. Frank was also one of the founding members of the Christian Love Center Male Chorus and he loved ministering with them.
Frank was employed by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Manufacture from 1981 until his retirement in 2016.
Butch was always the life of the party and could make friends anywhere. He enjoyed making people laugh. He was very family oriented and looked forward to the Annual Erkard Family Reunion. He claimed the title of being “The Favorite” and wore it very proudly.
In addition to his wife and daughter, Frank leaves to cherish his memory sons, Pierre (Kenisha) Lee and Frank Clayton, III; grandchildren, April Lee, Nyashia Evans, Kierra Packer, Sanaa Clayton, Roxas Stanley, and Nathaniel Stanley; mother, Overseer Dr. Willie Mae Clayton; brother, H. Wayne (Nayseira) Clayton; sisters, Geraldine (Lee) McCray and Pamela (Michael) Spann; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He shared very special bonds with his mother-in-law, Mrs. Gladys B. Lee; and niece, Janique L. Clayton, who was born on his birthday.
He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Clayton, Sr.; maternal grandparents, Thomas and Mary L. Erkard; and paternal grandparents, Frank Stovall and Mary Clayton.