ERNEST JOHN CLAYTON SR., Orangeburg SC -- Ernest John Clayton, Sr., 86, went to join his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 28, 2018. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Burl Hampton and Mottie Smith Boyce. He was a veteran who served in the Air Force with Unit 104/110 and the Air Force Reserves. He was retired from Sherwin Williams after more than 35 years of dedicated service. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed camping and spending time with the Palmetto Sandlappers Camping Club after his retirement. His servant heart was exhibited through his many years of service at Southside Baptist Church and West Side Baptist Church as well as the Masons and the Eastern Star. His love of God was exhibited through the many mission trips on which he shared his faith. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Eleanor Foxworth Boyce, of Orngebrug; three sons, Gerry Boyce (Marianna) of Lexington, Terry Boyce (Karen) of West Columbia, and Don Boyce (Kay) of West Columbia; grandchildren, Tiffany Heitzman (Bill) of Evans, Georgia; Kristin Dittl (Keith) of Clover, South Carolina; Luciano berry (Luke) of Columbia; Michael Boyce (Rebecca) of Columbia; Joel Boyce (Amanda) of Huntersville, North Carolina; and Cody Boyce of Lexington; great-grandchildren, Abby and Emma Brubeck and Avery Heitzman of Evans, Georgia; Ava Grace, Will, and Ella Dittl of Clover, South Carolina; Eliza, Forrest, Adeline, and Sybil Boyce of Columbia; Campbell, Samuel, Juliana, and Timothy Boyce of Columbia; and Mercy, Imogen, and Jennings Boyce of Huntersville, North Carolina.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 1, 2018. A service celebrating his life will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Glover’s Funeral Home in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 7100 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, South Carolina.