Robert “Bob” Ingram Clifton, Sr.

Published 9:29 am Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Mr. Robert “Bob” Ingram Clifton, Sr., 90, of Roswell, Ga., and formerly of Gastonia, passed away Saturday, November 26, 2022, at his residence. Prior to Roswell, he and Kay lived in Bainbridge, Ga., for 40+ years.  He was born October 7, 1932, in Gastonia, N.C., the only child of the late Fannie Rose Ingram Clifton and Clarence Clifton.

Following graduation from Gastonia High School in 1951, Bob attended Clemson University. After serving his county honorably in the US Army from 1953 to 1955 he resumed his studies at Clemson earning a bachelor’s degree in textile management.  Mr. Clifton worked in the textile industry for over 30 years, the last 20 at Amoco Fabrics and Fibers serving as Corporate Training Director.  Bob was very involved in textile management and training, forming a national professional organization and serving as president.  He loved his Clemson Tigers win or lose and enjoyed all sports, especially golf. Saturdays were special because he always served up his soon to be world famous chili dogs. Above all, he loved and cherished his family.

Survivors of Mr. Clifton include his wife of 64 years, Kay Fonville Clifton of Roswell, Ga.; children, Amanda Rose Clifton of Cumming, Ga.; Robert Ingram Clifton, Jr. and wife Janet of Birmingham, Ala.; John David Clifton of Roswell, Ga.; grandchildren, Justin Spancake and wife Mason, Sarah Spancake, Robert Clifton, III, Andrew Clifton, William Clifton, Bryce Ryman and wife Amalia, Andrew Ryman, and Davis Ryman and wife Angeline; great-grandchildren Jackson Sayer, Kamden Williams, Anne Campbell Spancake and Henry Ryman; brother-in-law, John Coble Fonville and wife Nancy of Greensboro, N.C.; sister-in-law, Sarah Frances Mills and husband Henry of Charlotte, NC; five nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.

The family will receive friends Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 12:30pm to 1:30pm at McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia.  A funeral service will be held at 1:30pm in Founders Chapel of the funeral home.  Interment will follow the service in Hollywood Cemetery with Military Rites by the US Army.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 2101 Rexford Rd #165W, Charlotte, NC 28211, www.stjude.org.

Condolence messages may be shared at www.McLeanFuneral.com.

McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the family of Mr. Clifton.