Earl V. Clanton

Another member of what has been called the Greatest Generation left this earth to be welcomed into the loving arms of his Savior. Earl Vanness Clanton, Sr., 94, of Kannapolis, formerly of Asheboro, died peacefully in the early morning hours of July 3, at the NC State Veterans Home in Salisbury. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 6, 2017, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Kenneth Reaves officiating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memorial Park with military honors by the Randolph County Honor Guard. Born June 20, 1923 in Anson County, Mr. Clanton was the son of the late Duncan and Crete Clanton. He was retired from Wallace Electronic Sales, after retirement he worked at SunWalt Dental Works in Randleman. With his outgoing personality and gift of gab, he treated everyone he met as a chance to make a new friend. Mr. Clanton was a member of Jonesboro Masonic Lodge #87 in Jonesboro, GA. He attended Balfour Baptist Church. He had an unwavering belief in God, family and country. Mr. Clanton proudly served in the US Army Air Forces in the South Pacific during WW II. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, DeEtte Clanton; daughter, Nancy Manning; sons Joseph "Joey" Clanton, and infant Steven Earl Clanton; sister, Mildred Clanton; and brothers, Lee Clanton, Harold Clanton and Joe Clanton. Survivors include his daughters, Clara Miller of Ridgelands, NC and Anne Thomas and husband, Robert of Palm Coast, FL; son, Earl V. "Van" Clanton, Jr. and wife, Donna of Simpsonville, SC; brothers, Bruce Clanton and Donald Clanton, both of Kannapolis; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home, prior to the service.