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absent from the body, beloved oldest brother, comforting, greatly missed, home with the Lord, in loving memory, rejoice, rest in peace, smile, tribute
So we are always confident — we know that so long as we are at home in the body, we are away from our home with the Lord; for we live by trust, not by what we see. We are confident, then, and would much prefer to leave our home in the body and come to our home with the Lord. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:6-8, CJB
The following tribute is to my brother, Clarence William Drayton, Jr., who went home to be with the Lord on January 18, 2013, some six years after our Mom who, on January 13, 2007, experienced being absent from the body and present with the Lord. Our Dad went home to be with the Lord on March 7, 1996.
I can shed tears because you are gone, or I can smile because you have lived. I choose to smile and rejoice over the life you lived, because you filled my heart with much love and joy.
You were a wonderful son, and you were my amazing oldest brother—the best brother ever! Additionally, you were a terrific father. I am eternally grateful to God for blessing my life with yours. For sure, your presence has enriched my life; indeed, your presence has enriched the lives of every one of our family members.
You were a true Renaissance man. You also were a true friend to your friends. Then too, you were the life of every party. However, what is most important to me is that you were a loving and kind Christian man—one of the most helpful and caring souls I know.
Even though there is an emptiness caused by your absence, I console myself with the joy of knowing that you left us for that utmost beautiful and best place—God’s Heaven. I also console myself with the joy of knowing that you now are where there is endless peace and everlasting love. Moreover, it is extremely comforting to me just to know that you no longer suffer from the pain and sickness which took over your body.
Dearest Clarence, although I know that I will see you again, I want you to know that you always will be remembered. I never will forget your warm smile, your infectious laughter, your timeless wisdom, your remarkable intelligence, your notable ingenuity, your tender compassion, your encouraging kindness, your giving spirit, and your sensible attitude. For these and other reasons, you will be greatly missed by me, and no doubt greatly missed by everyone who has ever known you!!
Rest in Peace, Clarence . . .
Your sister, Nadine
The full obituary:
| Name: Clarence W. Drayton, Jr. Dates: Obituary: PALMETTO FLORIDA-Clarence W. Drayton Jr. 64, of Palmetto, FL, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Jan. 18, 2013 at Tidewell Hospice, Bradenton, FL. He was born on February 14, 1948 in Eden, NC, a son of the late Clarence W. and Geraldine Drayton. He was a graduate of LCCC for Computer Technology. He was formerly employed by PC Doctors and Clearbrook Inc. where he designed their websites. He was also a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 18 years. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his grandfather Henry Drayton; his sister Hazel Drayton; uncles Douglas Drayton and Lorenzo Drayton; grandmother Clara Hampton-Drayton; grandson Austin Drayton and step mother Lucille Wade-Drayton. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Lynn Carter-Farmer, Wilkes-Barre; Christine Drayton, Wilkes-Barre; Estelle Morris, Plains; Clarence W. Drayton III and his wife Amy Drayton, Wilkes-Barre; his wife Mary Drayton, Edwardsville; long time companion Sandy McCartney, FL; sisters Nadine Drayton-Keen, AZ; Vanessa Johnson and her husband Terry Johnson, Wilkes-Barre; brothers Richard Drayton, Wilkes-Barre; Eugene Drayton, Wilkes-Barre; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; God Daughter Kerry Bassett, Wilkes-Barre; and a host of nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held at 4pm on Saturday February 16, 2013 at Kniffen O’Malley Funeral Home Inc. 456 S. Main Street. Wilkes-Barre. Friends may call 3-4pm. |
