Thomas Mcclinton

Thomas E. McClinton departed this life on Saturday, May 25, 2013. He was born in Seguin, Texas, on June 29, 1941, the oldest son of Elmer and Gladys McClinton. Thomas accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Second Baptist Church in Seguin, Texas. As a member of Second Baptist Church, he served as a youth leader in the Sheppard Boys League, Youth Choir, Sunday School and Baptist Training Union (B.T.U.). Also as a youth, Thomas was active in the 4-H Club and Future Farmers of America in Seguin, Texas. At the age of eleven, he raised a calf that were exhibited and judged as the Grand Champion at the Guadalupe County 4-H Club Livestock Show. He continued to raise championship livestock which was exhibited at subsequent 4-H Club Shows in the county. Thomas graduated from Ball High School in 1959 as the Salutatorian of his graduating class. After graduating from high school, Thomas received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Prairie View A&M University, his Masters Degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas, and completed further studies toward a doctorate in higher education--The University of Texas. Thomas also held a Teacher Certificate from the state of Texas and a license as a Texas Real Estate Broker. Additionally he was an avid outdoor sportsman who loved to fish and hunt.

Throughout his life, Thomas was an active servant for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His service to Christ started when he was a youth at Second Baptist Church in Seguin, Texas. As a young adult, he attended Mt. Zion First Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas. Later, when Thomas, his wife Otha and his sons (Derrick and Rodney) moved to Austin (from San Antonio, Texas) he united with Sweet Home Baptist Church in Round Rock, Texas, where he was ordained as a Deacon of the church. Later, he moved his membership to Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon until his death. Thomas McClinton also served as the Chairman of Finance, and the Business Manager of McKinley Heights Development Corporation, the church's Senior Citizen's Housing Ministry.

Thomas demonstrated a strong work ethic early in life. All of his employers recognized his potential and professionalism. A noteworthy accomplishment was when he became the first African-American cashier at a major grocery chain store, H.E.B., in San Antonio, Texas while still a college student at Prairie View A&M University. This achievement was a major milestone in the city of San Antonio and the community in which he lived; and it opened the door for other qualified African-Americans to follow in his footsteps.

During his professional life, Thomas held numerous positions of trust, responsibilities and leadership such as: secondary school educator, College Administrator at Saint Phillips College in San Antonio, Texas, and as a Director/Administrator with the Department of Human Services for the State of Texas. He also served as a member and past president of the Board of Directors at Greater Texas Federal Credit Union. Thomas McClinton's professional career spans over 30 years. Upon his retirement in 1998 from the State of Texas, he expanded his real estate brokerage and investment businesses and was a successful businessman.

During his season of illness, he never complained. Regardless of how serious the diagnosis, or how extensive the treatment, his faith in the healing power of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ never wavered. Always up-beat and motivated, he would offer words of encouragement to others in spite of how his medical condition may have appeared to others. Thomas was never depressed, frustrated, or angry about his ailments. He continued to praise God for his blessings. Thomas' life was a living testimony for all who came in contact with him. After talking to him, a person could always draw a source of inspiration from his words of wisdom. Throughout his life, he believed that "with faith in Christ, all things are possible;" and secondly, "if you can conceive it, then you can achieve it."

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Gladys and Elmer McClinton; his sister Evelyn McClinton Hartfield; and his step mother: Dorothy Hopkins McClinton. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 49 yearsa�"Otha McClinton. Saturday, June 1, 2013 would have been Thomas' and Otha's 50th wedding anniversary. He also leaves behind two children, Thomas Derrick McClinton of Seabrook, Texas and Rodney Byron McClinton of Houston, Texas; two grandchildren: Brooke Alise McClinton of Houston, Texas and Michael Leon-Thomas McClinton of Austin, Texas; brother: Dr. Nathaniel (Dr. Annette) McClinton of Porter, Texas; step brother: Marion (Sharon) Hopkins of Pearland, Texas; a special cousin: Margaret Duhart who was reared in the McClinton family as a sister; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A visitation with the family will be held at 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2013 at All Faiths North Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 29.8 E. 13th St., Austin, TX 78702 with interment at Memorial Hill Cemetery in Pflugerville, TX.