Rayford ‘RC’ Clayton, 97

Graveside services for Rayford “RC” Renso Clayton, 97, of Theodosia, were held Nov. 3, 2025, in the Hicks Cemetery in Theodosia with David Mahan officiating.

He died Oct. 31, at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare in Ava. Rayford was born Sept. 17, 1928, in Longrun to John Thomas and Defsia Lee (Absher) Clayton.

Rayford was raised in Ozark County and lived there all his life. On Aug. 28, 1957, Rayford and Freda Mae Hodges were united in marriage at Mountain Home, Arkansas. They built a house just north of Theodosia on the land that Rayford’s family had homesteaded years earlier by his grandparents, Calvin and Sarah Clayton.

When he was young, in the 1950s, 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 would have rather been 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 is survived by many nieces; nephews; great-nieces; great-nephews; and other extended family and friends.

Rayford was preceded in death by his parents; his stepson, 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.

​Memorials may be made to Hicks Cemetery. Services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava. On line condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.