"J.C." Clifton

HAMPTON: Mr. James C. "J.C." Clifton passed away Monday evening, April 24, 2023 at the Allendale County Hospital.  He was 88.

"J.C." was born in Walterboro December 23, 1934 a son of the late James C. Clifton and Bertha Elizabeth Thomas Clifton.  He was a proud veteran of the Korean War, where he served in the United States Army.  His deep patriotism was apparent throughout his life as he served as commander of the Hampton County chapters of both the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  During his periods of leadership, many improvements were made to the building and grounds.  "J.C." was also active in the development and funding of the All Wars Memorial located on the courthouse grounds.  He served as chairman, and was responsible for the research and accuracy of the soldier's names engraved on the monument.

"J.C." also possessed a deep love for his community, and the people and animals that lived there.  He was a volunteer for, and the first animal control officer of, the Community Animal Shelter... a position he held for many years until the shelter operations were transferred to county control.  He spearheaded the Watermelon Festival Pet Show…an event attended and loved by generations of people.  He was honored by both the Watermelon Festival Committee…and the Arnold Fields Foundation… for his dedication and contributions to Hampton County and its Citizens.  "J.C." belonged to many other organizations such as the Varnville "Old Town Days" and the Hampton County Chamber of Commerce.  He could always be counted on to be there for the set-up of any event, as well as the clean-up afterwards.

"J.C." was a founding member of PRO Hampton County, where he became an integral part of improving Lake Warren State Park, and devoted countless hours of time and energy to the "Friends of the Park" program.  He oversaw the placement of a flagpole on the grounds, as well as the construction of an outdoor amphitheater.  He was honored by the state of South Carolina with a resolution from the House of Representatives acknowledging his outstanding service to his community and the state.  "J.C." could always be seen riding around the county observing work that was being done, sitting in his favorite booth at the Hampton House Restaurant, or having a cup of coffee with the guys at Hardees or McDonald's.  He was also a dedicated employee of Westinghouse Corporation until his retirement as a supervisor after forty years of service.  He was a member of Sandy Run Baptist Church.

"J.C." is survived by his sister, Mattie Jean Reynolds of Hampton, as well as by a number of nieces, nephews and extended family.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ernest H. and William R. Clifton.

Funeral services will be held Friday morning, April 28, 2023 at 11:00 in the chapel of Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home, with burial following in the Sandy Run Cemetery.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hampton County Animal Shelter Spay and Neuter Program, 460 Cemetery Road, Varnville, SC  29944.  Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home, 300 Mulberry Street in Hampton, is in charge of arrangements.