Joseph Clinton, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, was born on June 24, 1941, in Charleston, South Carolina, to Georga Mae Jackson. He departed this life on November 23, 2024.

He attended the Florence County schools in Timmonsville, South Carolina. A trailblazer, he courageously ventured to Winston-Salem in 1962 to make a better living for his young family. He eventually supported other family members to relocate to Winston-Salem, without expecting anything in return.

Joseph walked in his God-given uniqueness. His love for people and good conversation explains why he never met a stranger. He was well known for his custom long pipes, which he desired to own as a child. These pipes ultimately became conversation starters to proudly proclaim that God was his healer and heart regulator. He had many notable phrases, such as "there you be" when someone connected with what he was saying, and his unforgettable declaration "God's Grace" to express God's unfailing love and faithfulness.

An active jogger, he enjoyed running two miles every other day until he turned 80 years young, when he slowed down" to one mile every other day. Even during his brief hospital stays, he would run the hallways and stairs. His charismatic flair and fashion style reflected his grand personality. A great storyteller and adventurer, he enjoyed driving and traveling. He grew to love traveling on airplanes around the world with his oldest grandson, Antoine Clinton. He maintained his independence and continued driving until a week before his passing.

He owned a successful lawn care business for over fifty years in the Triad, which included several prominent business clients. His mission was to provide top-notch customer service. He proudly passed his Clinton Lawn Care business to his grandson, Matthew Clinton.

Joseph was a devoted member of Shiloh Baptist Church for over 60 years. He held various positions, including former President and Chairman of the Deacon Board, Usher Board, and Trustee. He participated in regional and state Baptist convention activities and received many awards and recognitions for his faithful service. He proudly trained others and faithfully served communion to the sick and shut-in for decades. He took pride in never missing a Sunday at church unless he was out of town. He loved dining with his Shiloh First Sunday Lunch Club friends.

Joseph worked for Brenners Steel, Bahnson Inc., and retired from the WS/Forsyth County School System. He was a member of Masonic Temple Prince Hall Affiliated.

Gone but never forgotten, he leaves a rich inheritance of family love and bonds. Upon losing his mother as an infant, he was raised by his beloved, late maternal grandparents, Levi and Lizzie Clinton. Always a family man, his family expanded to include several close relatives who became loving siblings. Joseph was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Brenda Clinton Wright; and siblings, Nettie Mae Simmons, Prescious Lee Shaw, Alberta Myers, Helen Mae Morris aka "Toot," and Johnnie P. Mile's aka "JP."

Left to cherish his memories and carry on his legacy are beloved family and friends, including his two sons, Anthony (Antoinette) and Michael Sr. (Alicia); son-in-law, Terry Wright; 15 grandchildren, Antoine, Chris (Laura), Marcus, Kentrel (Audrey), Titus (Tasia), Jamarcus, Jenard (Destiny), Charnica (Walter), Derrick, Kenterra, Aquicha (Darron), Rachun, Michael Jr., Matthew, and Teriyana; 26 great-grandchildren; sister, Ella Mae Singleton of Rochester, NY; and a host of nieces and nephews, including devoted nieces, Helen "Sis" Morris and Vernita Oakes (Jerry), and many others, near and far.

"There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains." - Unknown

Deacon Joseph Clinton was the epitome of a true Samaritan and lived his life to help those in need everywhere he went. The night he passed, the sky lit up with bright stars, and our hearts are assured that he is rejoicing in heaven with Jesus, his beloved mother, daughter, siblings, and the angels. May his light continue to shine in everyone's heart to live life to the fullest and prepare to live in eternity with Christ. He will be truly missed.

We find comfort in knowing that "God's Grace" kept him and "God's Grace" ushered him home.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Monday, December 2, 2024 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at Shiloh Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Paul A. Lowe, Jr. officiating.  Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1:00pm on Tuesday at the Church.