Curtis L. Clayton, age 61, of Malvern, died unexpectedly early Tuesday morning, October 7, 2008 in the National Park Medical Center in Hot Springs. He was born on August 28, 1947 in Malvern to Lema Sneed Clayton and the late Lawrence Clayton. Reared and receiving his early education in Malvern, Curtis was a 1965 graduate of Malvern High School. Pursuing a degree in accounting, he graduated from Southern State College (now Southern Arkansas University) in Magnolia, Arkansas, in 1969. He soon passed his exams and became a Certified Public Accountant. After working for other firms in other cities over the course of his career, Curtis opened his own business in Malvern several years ago, operating it as sole proprietor until his recent ill health. He was a member of BNI, the National Association of Accountants, the Malvern/Hot Spring County Chamber of Commerce, and was active in the local Lions Club.

He is survived by his wife, Marsha Stanley Clayton, to whom he was married on August 29, 1970 at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Malvern; by three daughters, Michelle Huffman and her husband Randy of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Charlotte Woods and her husband Chris of Malvern, Natalie Duke and her husband Jordan of Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland; by a son Michael Clayton of Hot Springs; by his mother, Lema Clayton of Malvern; by a brother, Jackie Clayton and his wife Henrietta of Malvern; by five grandchildren, Maggie Elizabeth Huffman, Audrey Jewell Huffman, Bethany Carole Woods, Hunter Allyn Woods, and Jessica Lynn Duke; and by many nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be at two o'clock Friday afternoon, October 10, 2008 in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church with Brothers Wesley Howard and Neil Phelan, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery with Brother Maxie Haynes in charge of the committal.

Pallbearers will be: Randy Huffman, Chris Woods, Jordan Duke, Mike and Phil Clayton, Danny Waite, Alan Overturf, and Doug Kratz.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Ron Parrish, Ronnie Pilcher, Ronnie Stanley, BNI Members, and the NPMC ICU nurses and staff.

The visitation will be on Thursday evening, October 9, 2008, from six until eight o'clock at J. A. Funk Funeral Home.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the American Diabetes Association.

The family will be headquartered at the Woods residence, 27150 Hwy 67, South.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.