Clarence Albert “C.A” Burton, Jr.
Clarence Albert “C.A” Burton, Jr., age 80, of 3783 Old Greenville Road, Staunton, Virginia died Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at River Edge Rehab and Nursing Home, Staunton.
He was born June 25, 1942, in Clifton Forge, Virginia to the late Clarence Albert Burton, Sr. and Thelma Hinebaugh Burton. C.A. graduated from Clifton Forge High School where he played football, baseball and basketball and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was a retired educator, athletic director and coach.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Emory and Henry, where he was a four-year letterman in football. A fullback, C.A. was an honorable mention Little All-America player in 1961 and 1963, his sophomore and senior years respectively. In addition to this esteemed recognition his senior year, he was also a co-captain and was named to the Virginia All-State Team and the Knoxville News Sentinel’s All-Star Team. In his career, C.A. amassed 1,369 yards on 320 carries. He graduated in 1964 and was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in 1975 for his accomplishments on the gridiron.
After leaving Emory & Henry, he joined the Virginia High School football coaching staff and taught government and English at the school. He moved from there to Holston High School in Damascus, Virginia, where he served as head coach. C.A. then came home to his alma mater and became head coach at Clifton Forge High School. In 1967, he led the school to an undefeated season, receiving the recognition of Coach of the Year. He went on to earn a Master of Education from the University of Virginia and to serve as a coach and a guidance counselor at Stonewall Jackson High School in Manassas. He became the head coach for Covington High School and then guidance director and athletic director for North Stafford High School. C.A. finished his career as the athletic director for Colonial Forge High School. He was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Stuarts Draft and also a member of the Staunton Elks, Moose and Eagles Lodge. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Litts Burton.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Maureen Aul Burton of Staunton; two sons, Tripp Burton and wife, Joanna of Wilmington, NC and Todd Burton and wife, Traci of Kodiak, AK; a brother, George T. Burton of Winter Springs, FL; four grandchildren, Jack, Ryan, Luke and Colby Burton; and a host of special friends.
In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in Calvary United Methodist Church, Stuarts Draft with Reverend David Vaughn officiating. A second memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Mr. J.D. Williams officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Sid Smith, Steve King, George Reynolds, John Reynolds, Chris Aul, Will Haden and Brian Collier.
The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Calvary United Methodist Church, 2179 Stuarts Draft Hwy, Stuarts Draft, Virginia 24477 or to Emory and Henry College, Athletic Department, P.O. Box 947, Emory, VA 24327.
Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling the arrangements.
To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com