Robert Claytor

Reverend Dr. Robert “Bob” Warren Claytor joined his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in heaven on the morning of Sunday, November 30, 2025. A devoted pastor, teacher, missionary, veteran, and faithful servant of God, Dr. Bob lived a life marked by purpose.

Born on November 7, 1944, in Charleston, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Morris Dalton and Grace Lee Catrette Claytor. He spent his formative years on a chicken farm in Alabama. As a young man, Dr. Bob answered the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and went on to serve in Okinawa as a Radar Technician. After completing his service, he returned to Alabama, where he committed himself fully to ministry and attended the University of Alabama. Later after moving to Dallas, Texas, he attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and earned his doctorate.

Dr. Bob’s pastoral journey took him to Rome, Georgia, where he served faithfully for twelve years as the pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church, followed by nine years as pastor of Rock Hill Baptist Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Later, he embraced his passion for teaching as the Professor of Hermeneutics at Toccoa Falls College. He was known as Dr. C. by his students.

Dr. Bob also founded Carpenters for Christ Ministries, a mission organization that carried him across the globe, visiting more than 60 countries, as he served as a missionary. He helped build churches, support communities in need, and spread the hope of the gospel. His heart for service was matched only by his gift for encouragement; he had a way of lifting spirits, strengthening faith, and making every person he met feel seen and valued.

Beyond ministry, Dr. Bob remained a devoted Alabama Crimson Tide fan throughout his life. While serving as a chaplain at Rome High School, he even recruited for legendary coaches Bear Bryant, Ray Perkins, and Bill Curry, an experience he enjoyed sharing with family and friends, especially during football season.

His memory will forever be treasured by his wife, Janet Lee Claytor of Perry; children, Kelly Warren Claytor (Kelly) of Vero Beach, Florida, and Tracy Claytor (Tatyana) and Amy Michelle Claytor, all of Cocoa, Florida; stepchildren, Trey Sullivan (Caroline) of Decatur, and Keri Lee Wimes (Jason) of Perry; six grandchildren; as well as brother, Marvin Claytor of Birmingham, Alabama.

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at McCullough Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A memorial service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.