On a cold, stormy December 9, 1944, Clayton Maurice Martin was born to Maurice and Lillian Martin in Boston, MA., as the oldest of two children. Clayton attended the Boston public schools and graduated from Boston Technical High School. While in high school, Clayton played many sports excelling in all of them. However, baseball was his favorite game. After graduation Clayton matriculated at Hampton Institute now Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia.


While attending Hampton Institute Clayton met and won the affection of Ersie Silas. They were united in marriage on August 3, 1968.


After graduating from college with a Bachelor of Arts degree in architecture, Clayton joined the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was stationed in Heidlberg, Germany, serving as a courier for Adjutant General Corp. In 1970, Clayton was honorably discharged from the army and received the rank of 1st Lieutenant.


On January 28, 1974 Clayton and Ersie were blessed with a wonderful baby boy, David Clayton Martin. Clayton and David formed a strong bond and shared many activities together including bowling, scuba diving and computers.


In 1978, Clayton made a bold career choice moving his family to Saudi Arabia, while he worked for Fayez Construction firm for six years. This job expanded Clayton's outlook and allowed him to see what he was capable of doing.


The family returned to the United States so Clayton could pursue a graduate degree and David could develop family connections. At this time Clayton entered the University of Virginia and graduated with a MBA degree. After graduation Clayton was employed by General Motors company, where he worked for twenty years. He retired in 2002 as Regional Manager of Purchasing.


In 2012, Clayton was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease and FTD dementia. At this time Clayton and Ersie decided to relocate to Riverview, Florida to be close to David and Erin.


Clayton will be remembered for many things but his story-telling was a true gift. He loved talking about his travels and life experiences. Never was he without his camera or cameras and he shared his photos with family and friends. Most of the pictures used today were from Clayton's archives. He demonstrated a great love for family, traveling many miles to attend family functions in Boston, MA, and Lynchburg, VA. Clayton loved to travel and was always planning the next exciting trip to some exotic location.


Today Clayton's memory is cherished and honored by is his wife of 48 years, Ersie Martin; son and daughter-in-law, David and Erin Martin; grandchildren, Darryl, Tiahara, Evan, Kyneshia and Miriam; great granddaughter, Tiannah Marie. Little Tiannah had a very special place in his heart; also remembering his Boston family; sister, Lynell Morris; niece, Janiene Morris; great nephews, Christian and Khali Morris; godson, Kendall Clark; and a host of other family and special friends too numerous to record.


On a warm and stormy evening as night approached Clayton slipped away to a better place with his Heavenly Father.






Visitation
Aikens Funeral Home
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2708 E. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Tampa, FL 33610

Funeral Service
Aikens Funeral Home
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
12:00 PM
2708 E. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Tampa, FL 33610