Name: Visitation for William F. Clayton
Start: 2017-04-28T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-04-29T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Miller Funeral Home - Downtown

William F. Clayton

William Francis Clayton, 93 years old, passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2017.

Bill was born on September 20, 1923 in Charles City, Iowa, to Francis and Louise Clayton. His parents moved to Santa Monica, California, where he graduated from high school in 1941.

Bill joined the Air Force on October 26, 1942, when the United States entered the Great War. He served in England and France and was honorably discharged as a sergeant on December 6, 1945. Bill returned to California attended UCLA where he met Sally Renden, and they were married on August 22, 1946.

An excellent tennis player, Bill played varsity tennis at UCLA under his distinguished coach, the late Fred Perry, who won the British Open at Wimbledon in 1936. Bill followed Perry to Washington and Lee University, while Sally taught high school chemistry until he graduated.

Bill and Sally moved back to the Midwest. Bill graduated from the University of South Dakota Law School in 1951 and they made Sioux Falls their home.

During his career, Bill served two terms as States Attorney and State Legislator. In 1969 he was appointed United States Attorney for South Dakota and served eight years. Bill was then appointed Federal Clerk of Courts for South Dakota, and served until he retired in 1995.

After moving to Sioux Falls, Bill, as well as Sally, continued to play tennis tournaments with his doubles partner, Dr. Warren Opheim, winning many local and state tournaments. The Claytons were involved in the growth of tennis in the 60s, inspiring their five children to play at championship levels. In 1966 they were recognized as Northwest Lawn Tennis Association's tennis family of the year. In 1995, Bill and Sally were inducted in South Dakota Tennis Hall of Fame. Bill also enjoyed hunting and golf.

Bill was an early member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, where he drafted its By-Laws and served as Council President.

During his career, Bill was a member and President of the Sioux Falls Lions Club and received the distinguished Melvin Jones International Award for Distinguished Service. He was president of the Sioux Falls Legionnaire Club, YMCA mentor and basketball coach, and many more.

Preceding Bill in death were his parents, wife Sally, sister Helen Huska, and children Kristin Mary, Robert Michael, and Elizabeth Mary.

Bill is survived by children Stuart Tufty (Ted), William R. Clayton, and Thomas W. Clayton (Anna); grandchildren Sarah, Laurie, Ryan, Christopher (Mariam), Alexander, Courtney, Mary, and Remington; great-grandchildren Oliver and Hugo; and

step-grandchildren Laura Cameron, Michael Cameron, Carter Cameron and T.J. Tufty.

Visitation is at Miller Funeral Home, 507 S. Main Ave. on Friday, April 28, from 5:00-7:00 pm. Funeral Service will be at Gloria Dei Church, 5500 E 57th Street on Saturday, April 29 at 9:00 am.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society and to the South Dakota Tennis Hall of Fame.

www.millerfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Argus Leader from Apr. 23 to Apr. 26, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for William Clayton

Sponsored by Miller Funeral Home - Downtown.

9 Entries

Bob Padgett

May 3, 2020

Bill was my closest cousin and compadre. I had the privilege to spend a summer at his home in Santa Monica in 1945 and celebrated VJ Day on Wilshire Blvd. He was my mentor and closest cousin. My wife, Connie, and I would share winters together with Bill and Sally in Arizona We shared many pleasant days with them when they wintered in Sun City, AZ.

Bob Padgett

April 19, 2020

I am sorry that I was not able to attend his Memorial Service. He was a very special cousin because he befriended me when I first moved to California!

Robert Padgett

April 17, 2019

He was my cousin on our Mothers side of family. I stayed in his bedroom in Santa Monica before his return from Europe at the end of WWII. We kept in contact after the war and until my family and I moved to Phoenix. We resumed our Cousin friendship when he and Sally bought a home in Phoenix. I looked up to him as my big brother. Our Cousin/big brother relationship continued every winter when he and Sally came to Phoenix. It saddened me greatly at his passing. God be with you Cousin Bill. Your Cousin and Brother in the Lord. Bob Padgett

George Hahn

April 28, 2017

My deepest sympathies to the Clayton family. Several years ago, I was part of the team in MInnehaha Masonic Lodge #5 which presented Brother Clayton with his 50-year pin in Masonry, a great honor. His service to his nation as a soldier and a career attorney is exceptional. God bless his soul.

Bob Padgett

April 27, 2017

To the Loved Ones of my cousin, Bill. I became very close to Bill because I occupied his bedroom over the garage in Santa Monica just before he came home. Once he returned from Service I would visit him in Santa Monica (I was a junior at N. Hollywood High). One time he took me to class at UCLA that was a memorable experience. Now that he is gone, I have become the "senior" cousin in the family relations. Bill and I continued our cousin relationship in Arizona for the past four years. He will be greatly missed by me, personally. The greatest comfort is knowing that he has joined his beloved wife, Sally. May God welcome him into His heavenly home. Bob

April 24, 2017

Dear Tommy, Billy, & Clayton Family,

It was with great sadness that I heard that your dad William has passed away. He was a great man. My sincere condolences to all of you. I will say a prayer for William and the whole Clayton family. God Bless you all.

Tony Simons
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

April 24, 2017

Condolences. May you find comfort and peace from God's word found at 2Thessalonians 3:16. I know Mr. William will be greatly missed.

April 23, 2017

My deepest sympathy to the Clayton family for the loss of their dear love one, please allow God to become a secure refuge in times of distress.
(Psalm 9:9)

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