Raymond Clanton

Raymond Lee Clanton, 76, of Salem, IL went to be with his heavenly Father on April 14, 2023. He was born in Elizabethtown IL on January 20, 1947 the son of Adrian and Julia (Jackson) Clanton. Ray married the love of his life, Barbara Tolbert on November 25, 1981.
Ray was enlisted in the United States Navy from 1962-1966 and ended his career there as a Petty Officer Second Class. He was also a member of the Ridgway Masonic Lodge. For over 40 years he was a truck driver and was known to others sim as Deerslayer. He and his wife were co-drivers and constant companions for many of those years as they traveled across the United States. He retired from Henderson Trucking in 2007.
Ray was quite the storyteller of his days growing up in Hardin County, his time in California, his navy career and his experiences traveling in his semi. The things that brought him the most joy was spending time with his family. He was very loved by so many and had recently dedicated his life to his Lord and Savior. Those that he joined on the other side are his parents and his sister, Linda Lou who passed away in 1948; Brother-in-Law Bo Tolbert and Sister-in-Law Phyllis Winters.
Ray is survived by his children (birthed, adopted, and chosen) Dana Lee Clanton Southworth of Irvine, CA; Terry Lee (Brenda) Tolbert of Salem, IL; Terry Lee Clanton of Dexter, NM; Dana Michelle (Gary) Taylor of Rosiclare, IL; Calvin Russell (Peggy) Winters Jr. of Rosiclare, IL; Elizabeth Ann Back of Equality IL. Grandchildren: Justin (Celeste) Rider, Teresa (Troy) Wadley, Troy (Zoe) Brown, Destiney (Luke) Kuester, Dixie (Justin Murray) Cowsert, Scotty Adams, Jewelia (Chris) Plemmons, Skyler Walker, Robert Presley, Carrie (Gary) Barker, Teri Ann Winters, John Winters, Zach Presley, Gabrielle Ford and River Winters. Great-grandchildren: Sophie, Marcus, Lucas, Nikko, Kayden, Alex, Kaison, Emmerlynn, Natalie, Nora, Jasper, Eritrea, Remington, Carson, Hudson, Ryder, Rosalie, Brileigh, Lyla,Zander and Karli.
Ray will be dearly missed by family and friends. A celebration of life will be taking place on June 17, 2023 @ Noon at Garden of the Gods in Herod, IL.