Elmer J. Clinton
02/25/1934 - 10/16/2020
Memorial to be held Saturday, Nov 28th, 2 pm at Calvary Chapel Gwinnett 4715 Spout Springs Road Buford, GA 30519
Cards and flowers can be sent to:
Elmer J Clinton C/O Denise Hairston 4646 Water Mill Drive Buford, GA 30519
Elmer J. Clinton was born February 25, 1934, to Luciano and Angelina Clinton of Brooklyn, New York. He lived most of his life in New York until relocating to Florida in 1992. He most recently came to live in Georgia after losing the love of his life of 60 years in 2019.
He was joined in holy matrimony on January 16, 1960 to Minerva Soto and from their union, they were blessed with four children. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Mr. Clinton served his country in the armed forces as a Supply Sergeant in the U.S. Army between the Korean and Vietnam wars (1956-1958). Affectionately known as “The Duck”, Elmer spent over 30 years working at Pan American Airlines in New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport until they closed their doors permanently. He was an aircraft mechanic by trade and, after returning to college to get his degree, he became a union official. He was a Teamster and an active member of the Hispanic Labor Committee.
If you knew anything about Elmer, it was that he was a lover of sports, and at one point almost became a professional baseball player. He was a true-blue, New York Mets fan. As an accomplished bowler, he volunteered his talents to coach a youth bowling league and shared his love of bowling with his grandchildren.
“The Duck” was social and very much a charmer. The phrase “He never met a stranger” was truly the way to describe his personality. Later in life he worked as a Driver and occasionally coordinated activities at an Assisted Living Facility where he thoroughly enjoyed baking cookies, driving the residents to their doctor appointments and taking them out to lunch. He became a born-again Christian in 1995 and was a long-time member of the Calvary Chapel Association of Evangelical Christian Churches in both Florida and Georgia. He sought ways to apply his talents to serving the Lord and found his calling in the Kairos Prison Ministry, in which he faithfully served until 2019 when he was no longer able due to medical reasons.
Elmer always said that he loved to make others smile and that transcended to his work at the One Stop Center where he helped and advocated for displaced families affected by hurricane Andrew, when he was labeled the “Pillsbury Dough Boy” while working at a Publix bakery and also when he whipped up some of his “world famous” empanadas and shared them with others.
He leaves a legacy to cherish and many memories with his four children: deceased son – Michael A. Clinton (Yvonne) who is survived by their children, Christine Clinton, Michael A. Clinton Jr (Courtney) and Annie Morales; daughter- Michele Clinton Smith (Mitch) and their children Joey Labrada, Josh DeVos, Ashley Perry (Seth), Cody Smith and Kendall Smith; son – Eric Clinton (Claudia) and their children, Jessica DeNicola (Frank), Brianna Clinton, Gabriella Clinton and Matthew Clinton; daughter – Denise Hairston (Robert Jr.) and their children, Robert Hairston III, M. Gregory Hairston, Selena Hairston and Lexia Hairston. Not only did he leave a legacy for his children and grandchildren, but another of his greatest joys were his great grandchildren: Genesis, Peyton, Piper, Raelynn, Isabelle, Serenity, Frankie Jr, Anthony, James, Robert IV, Jonah, Jeremiah, Sevyn and Giovanni.
Elmer was preceded in death by his wife - Minerva Clinton, son - Michael Clinton, brothers - Edward Clinton, Arthur Clinton and Louis Clinton and sister - Aurea Marchany. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved him dearly and will miss him greatly.
Elmer always said, “Never say goodbye; always say so long”.
So long...until we meet again.
The Staff of Central Cremation Services is honored to support the Clinton family with End of Life Services.