Paul Lawrence Dunbar McClinton

Reverend Paul Lawrence Dunbar McClinton,Sr. was born on April 19,1944 to Ms. Joanna McClinton-Tyson in Greenville,North Carolina. He received his formal education in the Greenville public school system. In 1962,he graduated from C.M. Eppes High School. Following high school,he attended North Carolina Central University,graduating in 1968 with his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Sociology.Immediately after graduation,Rev. McClinton married Rachel McIver McClinton. From this union came Paul Lawrence McClinton,Jr.and Joanna Elizabeth McClinton,Esquire. He spent many years working in a counseling career and various entrepreneurial opportunities,touching the lives of many. Very personable and loving,he estalished lasting relationships from these positions. After relocating to Richmond, Virginia he proudly owned and operated P.L.M.Janitorial Services,Inc.His most significant life achievement occurred in 1988,when he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior. After receiving the gift of salvation,his life mission and priority became sharing this gift to all he encountered. Rev. McClinton transformed from being a "people person" and business salesman,into an actual personal evangelist. When spending any moment with him,his evangelical ministry became apparent. Daily he would share gospel tracts and ask many,"Do you know where you will spend eternity?'" or "What will happen to you if you die today?" His friendly personality,hearty laugh and great sense of humor caused him to be an even more courageous witness for Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit he won countless souls to the Kingdom of Heaven. He was so fervent about sharing the good news that he got better equipped by attending Atlantic Baptist Bible College and obtaining his Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible and Leadership in 1999.For the last several years he has served faithfully at the Cornerstone Baptist Church,under the pastorate of Dr. Stanley Bennett. At Cornerstone,he worked as a discipleship minister providing follow up services and Bible study for newly converted Christians. One of his favorite verses was Ephesians 2:7-10" For it is by grace you have been saved,through faith-and this not from yourselves,it is a gift of God-not by works,so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship,created in Christ Jesus to do good works,which God prepared in advance for us to do."On September 21, 2008 in Richmond,Virginia,Rev. Paul L. McClinton quietly crept away from his earthly world into his heavenly reward. He leaves to cherish his memory the mother of his children;Mrs. Rachel M.McClinton,his son Paul L. McClinton,Jr.(Dylisa),his daughter Joanna E. McClinton,his granddaughter Desiree Joi McClinton,his younger brother;Sylvester B. Tyson,Jr.(Audreinee) of Greenville,North Carolina,his younger sister Laura Tyson of Durham,North Carolina,the grandmother of his children,Mrs. Minnie M. Joyner and a host of cousins,nieces,nephews,aunts and uncles. In addition to his natural family,family,he has many close and personal friends including but not limited to Mother Annibell Ridley,Mr. Elton Hollowell,Mr. Cornell Parker,Ms. Joyce Scott,Mr. Johnny Washington and Pastor Jim Pfost. Rev. McClinton will be greatly missed,but his connection with Christ and earthly journey comfort us all in knowing that he is with Jesus. If he could share a last message with us today,certainly he would share the words of apostle Paul in Timothy 4:7-8,"I have fought the good fight,I have finished the race,I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness,which the Lord,the righteous Judge,will awark to me on that day-and not only to me,but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

Tributes

Paul Lawrence Dunbar McClinton

April 19, 1944 - September 21, 2008