Willie Clinton

Willie Clinton of Riverhead died May 11 at the Riverhead Care Center. He was 80.

He was born Aug. 25, 1929, to Napoleon Clinton and Winifred Earnel in Aurora, N.C., where he was raised.

In 1947, he moved to Long Island and married Bonnie Simmons, who predeceased him.

Mr. Clinton worked for American Title Insurance Company and later for Homeside Florist in Riverhead as a driver.

In 1973, he married Clara Jackson, who predeceased him in 2006. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Cutchogue, where he was very active. Family members said he was “a valuable asset to that ministry” and “liked going to church.”

Mr. Clinton is survived by his daughters, Doris Carter of Riverhead and Rosa, of Shirley, and his stepdaughter, Esther, of Alabama; his siblings Eveleana, Joe, James, Alonzo, Hurley and Johnny, all of Riverhead, and Maceo, of North Carolina; 12 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted May 17 at First Baptist Church of Cutchogue by the Rev. Cornelius Fulford. Interment was at Riverhead Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Seay Memorial Chapel in Riverhead.