Clayton Edward Atkinson, Sr.

A LIFE WELL LIVED

Clayton Edward Atkinson, Sr. was born April 8, 1961 in Miami, Florida to the parents of Blake and Verda Mae Atkinson. He was third of four children. Clay moved to Los Angeles in the early 1980s where he resided until the Lord Jesus called him home from this life the morning of June 4, 2019 at eleven o’clock at Torrance Memorial Hospital with his wife Sheryl, his sister Cheryl, and his daughter Kayla Atkinson at his bedside.

Clay dedicated his life to the service of his Savior, wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, church family, and devoted friends. He spent countless hours studying, discussing, and teaching the Bible to his family and others placed in his path. He worked as an IT director at World Vision International in Monrovia, California for nearly 15 years where the Lord used him as well, challenging policies and spurring his fellow colleagues in their walk with Christ. Clay has walked with the Lord for nearly 25 years, and had faithfully served in Little Company of Mary Hospital Chapel bringing the Word of God to the sick and shut-in for three years; then he would trek his family over to Driftwood Rehabilitation Center to lead another Sunday Bible Study. Clay was co-worship director at Branch of Hope with Edwin Booth and enjoyed singing and rehearsals with the worship team members. Clay loved being on the deacon board and helping to serve the Lord’s Supper to the Branch family. He enjoyed participating in the apologetics radio ministry with Chris Neiswonger and Pastor Paul. He especially enjoyed the drives and discussions over to the Glendale radio station with them. Clay was most happy serving the Lord alongside the people of Branch. He felt the luckiest of men.

Clay loved listening and writing music. He had a very eclectic taste, particularly enjoying funk and progressive rock. He wrote many songs in many genres as well, including worship, pop, jazz, and loved sharing his musical taste with his wife, kids, friends. And, he loved to dance! Miami Dolphins was his favorite football team and remained dedicated to them his whole life and stated before watching each game, “I already know they’re gonna lose!” Clay had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to laugh, and loved to make others laugh.

Unfortunately, Clay’s last days were filled with pain and suffering. He was a true example of a faithful saint who persevered until the very end. We rejoice in the truth that Clay is resting and being comforted in the arms of our Savior Jesus Christ, but we will all miss him greatly, and look forward to one day joining him in paradise. Clayton is survived by his wife Sheryl, children Ashley, Kayla, Clayton, Jr., Cassandra, his siblings Blake, Cheryl, Glendon and many other nieces and nephews.