Dates
Doyle Clifton of Santa Fe, TX, passed away peacefully in his home on November 1, 2021, at the age of 88.
Doyle was born in Frost, TX, on January 30, 1933, to William Arthur Clifton and Maggie Lee Rawlings. He had two sisters, the Late Billie Decorte and Late Barbara Layton. Stepmother Vallie Davis Clifton.
Doyle married the love of his life, Virgie Kuykendall Clifton, on February 9, 1952, at East Side Baptist Church in Gonzales, TX. They were married for almost 70 years and were best friends. Doyle was so proud of his beautiful wife and let everyone know how much he loved her.
Doyle always liked to stay busy, even as a child. He earned money by selling milk bottles and newspapers. Doyle would also perform “You are my Sunshine” in the park for tips. He went to school in Frost, TX, and graduated high school in Corpus Christi, TX. Doyle was one badge shy of becoming an Eagle Scout and could fix just about anything. Doyle attended the University of Houston and Angelo State University, earning an Associate Technical Degree in 1985.
Doyle had many jobs in his lifetime. His first job was selling newspapers in Corsicana, TX. Then, in high school, he washed windows in a baby store in Corpus Christi, TX. He also worked for a bread company. In 1950, Doyle went to work for GTE/Verizon as a lineman. He retired after 39 years of service as an Engineer in Planning.
After retiring from GTE, he planted a pecan orchard, The Sugar Valley Pecan Farm, and harvested award-winning pecans. He worked as a realtor for over 20 years and also raised Emus. Doyle was well known for his mowing career and was often seen driving his tractor throughout San Angelo. In addition, Doyle and Virgie ran a snack route delivering beef jerky and cinnamon suckers to convenient stores.
Doyle lived in many places, including Frost, TX, Corpus Christi, TX, Gonzales, TX, Rio Grande Valley, TX, Robstown, TX, Texarkana, TX, Arkansas, Louisiana, Victoria, TX, Jacksonville, TX, Port Lavaca, TX, League City, TX, Baytown, TX, Stafford, TX, and Missouri City, TX. Doyle and Virgie moved to San Angelo, TX, in 1973, where they spent the majority of their life. They moved to Santa Fe, TX, in 2018.
Doyle was a man of faith and made sure that everyone knew his love for Christ. He talked to God like he was talking to a friend. He served as a Mason, Lodge #36, since 1957 and a Deacon since 1960. In addition, Doyle donated pecan trees and worked with Habitat for Humanity and built houses for Christmas in April. He was a member of First Baptist Church of San Angelo, TX for many years and was a member of Arcadia First Baptist Church in Santa Fe, TX, before his passing.
In his spare time, he loved spending time with his family. He was always there to support his kids and grandkids. He was a wonderful husband, father, and papa. Every year he would read the Christmas story to the family. He loved to sing and would make up songs. Doyle was a tenor member of a singing group that performed at ASU.
Doyle was known and loved by many. He was a fantastic friend and never met a stranger. Everyone who knew Doyle loved him. He was grateful for his many friendships. He was always looking for ways to help others. He couldn’t go to anyone’s house without finding something to fix. He stayed busy every second of his life. He will be deeply missed but leaves behind a great legacy of a beautiful life.
Doyle is survived by his wife Virgie Clifton and his daughter Sandra Clifton Held (Matt). He is survived by his grandchildren Heather Huckaby, Jennifer Pucel (Jason), Tabitha Odom (Ryan), Amy Clifton, Chad Clifton; great-grandchildren Austin Bell (Briana), Shylee Cubel (Caleb), Noah Bell, Justis Buckner, Taylor Pucel, Gibson Pucel, Kaiyah Odom, Tripp Odom, Sailor Odom; great-great-grandchildren Easton Bell, Levi Bell, Maverick Cubel, Eisen Cubel.
Doyle is preceded in death by his son Tommy Wayne Clifton and his grandson Douglas Wayne Clifton. Parents William Arthur Clifton and Maggie Lee Rawlings; Stepmother Vallie Davis Clifton; Grandparents Thomas Edward (TE) and Ollie Downing, John and Bertha Rawlings; Siblings Billie Decorte and Barbara Layton.
Visitation will be on Sunday, November 7, from 4-6 PM. Services will be held at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo, TX, on Monday, November 8 at 1 PM. Burial to follow at Lawn Haven Cemetery.
Visitation
Sunday, November 07, 2021
4:00PM - 6:00PM
Harper Funeral Home
2606 Southland Boulevard
San Angelo, TX 76904
Funeral Service
Monday, November 08, 2021
1:00PM
Harper Funeral Home
2606 Southland Boulevard
San Angelo, TX 76904