Sidney "Jeff" Clopton

Captain Jeff passed away peacefully on February 24th, 2021. He was born in Pensacola, Florida and was the fourth of ten children. He grew up in an era of hard times; however, he was instilled with values that carried him throughout life: Catholic faith, hard work, family ties and good humor. His mother dubbed him the morale booster. He was a man of many talents and learned most of his boating skills from his father, Captain Sidney. While working for the City of Pensacola Fire Department, he managed to purchase his first shrimp boat, the “Al Don.” He later had an 80’ steel haul shrimp boat built and named the “St. Christopher.” One of his many talents was woodworking. He would make fleets of little boats for all of his grandchildren and friends. He was a member of the Masonic Escambia Lodge 15, life member of the Warrington Elks Lodge, he was the Exalted Ruler 1996-1998, Scottish Rites, Zelica Grotto, Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus, the Organized Fishermen of Florida and the American Legion. He also served on the Escambia County Marine Advisory Committee from 2008-2021. Captain Jeff served his country in the Coast Guard as a Boatswain’s Mate Second Class, aboard the USCGC Bittersweet in Kodiak, Alaska. His favorite hobby was taking out his cabin cruiser to fish Pensacola Bay and the Gulf. He is preceded in death by his mother, Agnes Lockwood Clopton; father, Sidney Johnston Clopton; brothers, Chipley Clopton and Jerry Clopton; daughter, Julie Marie Clopton; partner, Merelyn Williams; grandson, Shawn Wilder Burleson. Captain Jeff is survived by his daughter, Zetta Clopton Gauthé (Steve); sons, Christopher Jeff Clopton and Sidney Johnston Clopton; grandchildren, Nicholas Gauthé, Aidan Gauthé, Aaron Varney, Nathan Burleson (Kendra), Rachel Burleson, and Juliet Rose Eddy; great-grandchildren, Shae Burleson, Natalie Burleson, Kiylee Sheldon, Jewels Smith, and Harbor Kocar; brothers and sisters, Loice Jackson, Sheila Jernigan, Johnnie (Joyce) Clopton, Joyce (Franklin) Edgar, Tommy Clopton, Gail (Vincent) Baglioni and David Clopton (Debbie). He has numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will always remember him calling them “sugar boogers” as his expression of love. Captain Jeff will be missed by many. Funeral services will be held at 10:30AM on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Reverend John J. Licari officiating. Burial will follow in Clopton Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00PM to 7:00PM on Friday, March 5, 2021 at the funeral home. Rosary to begin at 5:00PM. Pallbearers will be Nicholas Gauthe, Nathan Burleson, Sidney Clopton, Timothy Mallery, Bret Jackson and Russell Merrill. Thank you to all of the doctors and Baptist Hospital staff for the care that they provided for Jeff. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, is entrusted with arrangements. You may express condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

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Sidney "Jeff" Clopton

September 5, 1940 - February 24, 2021