Benjamin Clayton, Jr.

Benjamin Ralph Clayton, Jr. of Traverse City, formerly of Crofton and Hanover, MD, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his true love and devoted partner for 58 years, Tracey Rhoads Clayton whom he cherished deeply. Also left to cherish his memory are his daughters Stacey (Frank) McFarland, Forest, VA and Tiffany (Scott) Chupp, Traverse City, MI; grandchildren, Brian (Tanya) Vennemann, Amanda (Ian Rivera) Vennemann, and Carolyn McFarland; great grandchildren, Bradley Vennemann and Sofia Rivera; sister, Camela Clayton, El Paso, TX; brothers, David (Wendy) Clayton, Paris, TN and William Edward Clayton; brother-in-law, Dale (Dianna) Rhoads, nieces Kaiulani Stewart, Gracie Beasley, Maggie Clayton, Betty, Pauline and Tana’e Martel; nephew Charlie Clayton; side-kick cousin since birth, Larry Clayton, Manton, MI and numerous beloved cousins from Indiana, Arizona, and Michigan, whom he absolutely treasured.

Ben was born on October 21, 1944, in Terre Haute, Indiana to the late, Benjamin Ralph Clayton and Mary Pauline Vicars. He spent his formative years, known as Benji, in Farmington, MI, graduating from Farmington High School in 1962, where he proudly served as the drum major for the Falcons marching band and forming friendships that lasted his lifetime. Ben had wonderful memories of attending UCC church where the Rev. Carl H. Schultz ministered and singing in the children’s choir with dear friends.

Serving our country was one he was honored to do. Following high school, Ben attended NMC and Oakland Community College, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1965, embarking on a distinguished military career that spanned over two decades until his retirement in 1986 at Ft. Meade, MD. Ben’s military service took him across the globe from Fort Knox for basic to Fort Holabird, Korea, 902nd MI, Vietnam, Pentagon, two tours to West Berlin, Ft. Huachuca, Patrick Air Force Base, ending at Ft. Meade. Ben received the Bronze Star Medal for “his meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force” for his service in Vietnam and received the Legion of Merit and Army Commendation Medal, among other accolades. As a proud Vietnam veteran, Ben was passionate about honoring and supporting his fellow service members, often going out of his way to show his appreciation by shaking their hands and buying their meal. Serving during the Cold War Era in West Berlin was his favorite post where lifetime friends were made and where many beers and Ansbach were shared while dancing to the Hustle or the jitterbug with Tracey.

After retiring from the Army, Ben continued to serve his country as a valued employee of Ford Aerospace, TASC, CSC, and MSM Investigations. Yet, his greatest source of pride and joy was his family. He met Tracey while stationed with the 902nd and spent the next 58 years supporting and loving each other through each new assignment and life’s adventures. He was proud of his daughters, sons-in-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren – everyone saw it on Facebook where he was famous for sharing the family’s service members in his videos.

Traverse City became Ben and Tracey’s cherished home in 2003 where more fond memories were made with extended family and the best neighbors. Ben enjoyed snowmobiling, riding his tractor and found solace and joy at the Old Mission Point Lighthouse, a place dear to his late mother. His days were often filled sitting at his desk, grilling, visiting loved ones and enjoying a cold Coors Light while cheering on the Lions, golf, or basketball while wearing his Army T-shirt and hat.

Ben’s family would like to thank his Hospice family for their loving care: Tamara, Jennifer, Donna, Amanda, and Riley and Jennifer from the GT county Veterans office.

The family will be honoring Ben on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Life Story Funeral Home; 400 Hammond W.; Traverse City at 2 p.m. His final resting place will be honored at Arlington National Cemetery, July 2026, where his legacy of service and love of family will forever be remembered.

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