Obituary of Thomas Claytor

Thomas Alfred "Tom" Claytor, 82 of Bedford, passed away Saturday, January 2, 2010 at Bedford Memorial Hospital. He was born on Sunday, April 3, 1927 in Bedford County, a son of the late Howard Claytor and the late Julia Irene Smith Claytor . He was also preceded in death by 2 Brothers, Howard Berkley "Buck" Claytor and William Henry "Bill" Claytor. He was a retired PBX Installer at C & P Telephone Company having been employed for 35 years he was also employed by Clinch Field Sand and Feldspar Co at the Peaksville mine, Skinnell's mine and the Geological Survey Co. He was a member of Otterville United Methodist Church and an Army veteran of WWII. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, Bedford Elks Lodge #2844 and an honorary member of the Bedford Moose Lodge #1897. His hobbies were repairing old telephones for the people of Bedford, wood crafts, camping and helping his fellow man. Surviving is the mother of his children, Patsy Key Claytor, a son Tony Alan Claytor, 2 daughters, Brenda (Lesa) Claytor and Tracie Claytor Gordon and her husband (Billy), a grandson Alan Thomas Claytor, (who meant the world to him), all of Bedford, 3 special little friends Sassy, Buttons and Buffy, a Brother, Harold T. "Jack" Claytor of Bedford and a sister, Irene Claytor Woodford of Lynchburg as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider the following organizations; Otterville United Methodist Church Sick Fund, c/o Carrie Ware, 2737 Lizard Ridge Road, Bedford, VA 24523, Suck Spring Southern Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 3887 Jopling Road, Bedford, VA 14523, Sedalia Baptist Church Building Fund, 1106 Charlemont Road, Big Island, VA 24526, Gleaning for the World, P.O. Box 645, Concord, VA 24538. A Celebration of Tom's life will be held on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Mark Wilkerson and Rev. Mike Jones officiating at the Updike Funeral Home Chapel, Bedford. Private interment will follow in Suck Springs Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 05, 2010 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.