Jack Clifton, a good and gentle man passed away in Salem on Wednesday, April 25, 2018. He was born in Altavista, Va. to Granville H. and Lela Stowers Clifton on December 5, 1925. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Mollie; a son, G. H. (Jack) Clifton III; his sister, Juanita; and brother, Homer. He is survived by his son, Jim Clifton and wife, Ena of Salem; grandchildren, Sara C. Anderson (Andrew) of Essex, England and Samuel M. Clifton of Brooklyn, N.Y., as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family would like to extend special thanks to his faithful neighbors, Calvin and Elaine Bower and his special friend, Drucilla Stafford of Lincolnton, N.C. A veteran of World War II, Jack joined the U.S. Navy in 1942 and served until 1946 attaining the rank of Boatswain Mate 2nd Class. After moving to Salem in 1959, he began his business there as a flooring contractor and owned and operated Clifton Floor & Tile, a successful floor covering business for nearly 40 years. Jack enjoyed many friendships over the years through his various activities in business and recreation. An avid golfer, he enjoyed nothing better than a round with his golfing pals or talking with the many friends he made on his nearly daily walks at Green Hill Park. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all those who helped Jack through his final weeks including Dr. Lucian Grove, Dr. Rodney Poffenberger, the staff at Carilion Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospice and Richfield Recovery and Care Center 3 West. A period of visitation will be held at Lotz Funeral Home, Salem on Sunday, April 29, 2018, from 4 until 6 p.m. A memorial service will be conducted at the Lotz Chapel on Monday, April 30, 2018, at 1 p.m., followed by burial at Sherwood Memorial Park with Pastor Dan Carawan officiating. Online condolences made be made at www.lotzfuneralhomesalem.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be considered to Good Samaritan Hospice or the American Cancer Society.