Clarence Skelton (10-19-10) services 10-20-10

Clarence Lee Skelton, 86, of Riverdale, Ga., died Tuesday, Oct. 19. A graveside service with full military honors was held on Thursday, Oct. 20, at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta, Ga.

Mr. Skelton was of the Baptist faith, teaching Sunday school at Macon Drive Baptist Church in Atlanta, Ga. As a child, he received special awards for the job of a special delivery carrier. He served his country in the U.S. Navy, fighting in the Alutian Island Campaign and with the 4th Marine Division, World War II in the battle of Iwo Jima. Mr. Skelton was a highly honored and decorated veteran with numerous awards, receiving a letter from President Harry Truman for the outstanding service in Iwo Jima. Mr. Skelton worked 32 years with Lockheed Martin, designing aircraft and training personnel in Marietta, Ga.

Mr. Skelton was preceded in death by his late wife, Johnnie Ethelene Skelton.

He is survived by his wife, Sara Parris Skelton of Savannah; and his four sons, one daughter, 16 great children and 23 great children in Georgia.