SERVICES:        Saturday, January 7, 2023

First Baptist Church of Richton

3:00 p.m.

INTERMENT:    Newell Cemetery

VISITATION:   Saturday, January 7, 2023

First Baptist Church of Richton

12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the First Baptist Church of Richton for Colonel Ronald Claytor Lassiter, USA (Retired), age 72, of Richton.  Bro. Josh Dunn and Bro. John Allen will officiate the service and burial will follow in Newell Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be David Lassiter, Russell Lassiter, Corey Tucker, Matthew Sanford, Mark Sanford, and Micah Sanford.

Claytor Lassiter was born May 5, 1950, in Laurel, MS, and passed into the loving arms of Jesus on December 31, 2022.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Edith Lassiter.

He is survived by his wife, Marla (or Boo as he lovingly referred to her for 52 years), of Richton. He was a devoted father to Clay (Donna) Lassiter of Virginia Beach, VA and Allison (John) Horton of Fairfax, VA. He is affectionately known as Pop Pop to his seven grandchildren, Chase Lassiter of Virginia Beach, VA, Caly Lassiter of Seoul, Korea, Carsyn Lassiter of Riverview, FL, Kinsley and Hudson Horton of Fairfax, VA, and Madeline and Lilah Carroll of Richmond, VA. He is also survived by his brother, Robert (Elaine) Lassiter of Richton and sister, Beth (Dana) Sanford of Richland. He was blessed with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins that he loved like his own.

Claytor graduated from Richton High School in 1968. He obtained his Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland and a Master's degree from Webster University. He was commissioned in 1972 into the U.S. Army National Guard where he soon became Commander of the Richton National Guard unit where he served for 12 years. In 1985, he accepted an active-duty position at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. His 20-year active career included assignments in St. Louis, MO, at the Troop Support Command, Ft. Eustis, VA, as a Transportation Officer, Atlantic Command in Norfolk, VA, as an Engineer Officer, and Ft. Clayton, Panama, as Task Force Engineer Officer and later as Deputy Commander of the Exercise Support Command. He was then stationed at Ft. Buchanan, Puerto Rico, as the Exercise Support Commander. He returned stateside to Ft. McPherson in Atlanta, GA, where he served two deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism prior to retiring in October 2003.

After retiring, Claytor and Marla returned home to Richton where he was finally able to fulfill his dream of building their log home. After completing the home, he was elected as District 3 Supervisor for Perry County.

Claytor was an active member of First Baptist Church of Richton where he served as a Deacon, faithful committee member, and treasurer throughout the years. His servant's heart led him to respond to needs within the community both near and far.

In his free time, Claytor was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling and making memories with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a master carpenter and loved turning wood and creating on his wood lathe. Over the years, he restored a 1976 MG, a 1952 Chevrolet truck, and a 1970 Honda motorcycle. He loved the outdoors and activities such as fishing, scuba diving, and skydiving.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends but we rest assured knowing we will be reunited.