OJ Clayton Obituary (1937 - 2019)

To view OJ's Memorial Service CLICK HERE. OJ Clayton was born in Bend, Oregon on April 28, 1937 and passed away in death on September 25, 2019. He is survived by his wife, Edith Clayton; two daughters, Wendy Oliver (Craig) and Tamara Hakala (Dave); four grandchildren, Courtney Oliver, Grant Hakala (Grace), Nicholas Oliver (Kristina) and Les Hakala (Amber). He also leaves behind five great-grandchildren: Alexis, Ashleigh, Hailey, Zachary and Aubrey. He is also survived by his sister Betty Spink (Roger) as well as many nieces and nephews. OJ was married to Edith for 63 1/2 years and thoroughly enjoyed the time that he was able to spend with his family. He would often tell Edith that she was the love of his life. When OJ became a father, he was always there for Wendy and Tamara and was beyond proud of them, especially as they started families of their own. When his grandchildren arrived, OJ had more than enough room in his heart to accommodate them all, embracing them with love, kindness, and patience. OJ and Edith lived for a number of years in Phoenix before moving their family to Tucson in 1970. OJ attended classes at Phoenix Technical School and ASU to pursue his professional engineering certification. He became a registered Mechanical Engineer and a licensed plumbing and HVAC Contractor. As a business owner he worked as a Mechanical Engineer and Contractor, contributing to the construction of several resorts and commercial buildings in the Tucson area, in addition to many Kingdom Halls and Theocratic facilities. While OJ thoroughly enjoyed his work with mechanical design and construction, his greatest joy came from focusing on his spiritual life and activities. He was baptized on August 3, 1950, and his 69 years of dedication to Jehovah never waivered. He enjoyed serving as an Elder in his congregation as well as serving on many committees throughout the years. He became a gifted speaker, speaking at annual conventions, assemblies and congregation meetings. He also enjoyed the privilege of serving as Convention Overseer, Assembly Overseer, Coordinator of the Body of Elders at the Congregation level, and numerous other spiritual activities throughout the years. Saturday October 12, 2019 2:00 PM at Vistoso Funeral Home Memorial Talk by Steve Starks Closing Prayer by Steve Schwallier As his health declined, he never lost his trust and confidence in his God, Jehovah. He had a strong belief in the Bible's promise of a resurrection, and it was his greatest wish to be reunited with his entire family in the coming earthly paradise where sickness and death will be no more. He looked forward to the time described in Psalm 37:29 where God promises, "The righteous will possess the earth, and they will live forever on it."