Steven Frank Claytor

GLOUCESTER - Steven Frank Claytor met Jesus on Oct. 18, 2004. God graced this world with Steve's birth, May 17, 1951, in Waynesboro, Va. His parents, Calvin Philemon Claytor and Audrey Mabel Suddarth Claytor, raised him in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. His joys were baseball, football, and the family farm. He pursued formal education, and received a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from the Medical College of Virginia. He practiced pharmacy for 25 years, and acquired a Master's Degree in Rehabilitative Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University. He was loved and respected for his ability to help people in both fields of his career. Since moving to Gloucester in 1987, Steve and his family were members of Ware Episcopal Church, Abingdon Episcopal Church, and most recently, Apostles Lutheran Church. Steve was active in outreach ministries, helped start the pharmacy in the Gloucester Mathews Free Clinic, was a Sunday School teacher, softball coach, golfer, Red Sox fan, Confederate at heart, and most importantly, a devoted husband and father. Steve is forever in the hearts and lives of his wife, Brenda Funk Claytor, and his children, Mackenzie Hope, age 13, and Austin Philemon, age 11. Steve's family extends to his mother, Audrey Mabel Suddarth Claytor, who lives in Grottoes, Va., to his brother, Phil Claytor and wife, Nancy, who live in Bedford, N.H., to his brother, Joe Claytor and wife, Nancy, who live in Berea, Ky., and to his beloved dad, Calvin, who is with him now. Numerous friends, who were dear to his heart, include the men and women of Alcoholics Anonymous. Steve was able to share his experience, strength, and hope to many who battled the disease of alcoholism. Steve suffered from this disease, unable to escape its power and consequences. His dedication to recovery, love for his wife and children, and search for God's direction, never ceased. Steve will greet many of you in heaven with his beautiful smile, bright eyes, gratitude, and recognition. The family invites you to a service to celebrate Steve's life on Thursday, Oct. 21, at 4 p.m. at Apostles Lutheran Church. Following the service, the family wants you to visit with them at the church. Bring fond memories please. A graveside service will be held in Verona, Va., on Friday, Oct. 22. In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a college fund for Mackenzie and Austin, Steve's legacies and joys. Send contributions to Chesapeake Bank, titled, 'Claytor College Fund,' P.O. Box 726, Gloucester, VA 23061. Funeral arrangements are by Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, Va.