C. G. McClinton, born December 7, 1907, entered into heaven on March 18, 2007. Services will be 10:00 am Thursday, March 22, 2007 at First Baptist Church in Silsbee. Burial will follow in R. S. Farmer Memorial Cemetery. Visitation with family and friends will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at R. S. Farmer Funeral Home.
Mack, as he was known to all who loved him, recently moved to Waco following Hurricane Rita, which uprooted him from his home in Silsbee where he had lived for 63 years.
Mack grew up in Leroy, Alabama, which was a small farming community, and graduated from Leroy High School in 1927, where he was president of his class and lettered in football and basketball. In Leroy, he experienced the Great Depression while trying to earn a living as a farmer. In 1933, he married Sarah Graye Miller, the love of his life. The couple lived in Leroy until he was summoned to Texas in 1935 to take advantage of the great opportunities to be found in the oil fields.
In Silsbee, Mack and Graye started their home and family. Their only son, Paul F. McClinton, was born in 1938. Except for the years of World War II, when Mack worked in the shipyards before being drafted at the end of the conflict, he worked in various positions of the oil companies throughout his life, retiring in 1974. Following retirement, he spent his time doing what he loved best: spending time with family and friends, being an active member of the First Baptist Church of Silsbee, and being one of the most accomplished gardeners in Hardin County. He was most happy when he could share the bounty of his garden with family and friends. During his retirement, he became an expert at restoring antique furniture. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially when he could share these activities with his family.
Mack loved life and this was evident through the happiness he gave those around him. His warmth and gift of hospitality were evident upon meeting him. He and Graye were faithful members of their church where he served as a deacon for many years. He was the second oldest member of the church and never missed an opportunity to serve those around him. One of his greatest joys was serving as a greeter for Sunday morning services, so he could see his friends and enjoy their presence.
Mr. McClinton was preceded in death by his father and mother, Chester and Betty McClinton, and his wife Sarah Graye McClinton. He is survived by his son, Paul F. McClinton and his wife, Carol of Waco; one grandson, Matthew C. McClinton and his wife, Denise of Waco; one granddaughter, Melinda Townsend and her husband, Chip of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He also leaves two great granddaughters, Lucy McClinton of Waco and Haley Townsend of Ft. Lauderdale, and one great grandson, Christopher Townsend of Ft. Lauderdale.
Pallbearers will be Gehrig Brown, Horace Whittington, Bill Wiess, Jerry Collins, Jesse Sanchez and Matt McClinton. Honorary pallbearers Bobby Read and Neil Sumler.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First Baptist Church of Silsbee, 350 Hwy. 96 South, Silsbee, TX 77656.
