Remembering John L. Clatterbuck

John L. Clatterbuck, affectionately known as Johnny, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at the age of 89. A devoted husband and father, he was born on February 7, 1934, in Neersville, VA, the fourth of eight children. He grew up on the family farm and sawmill operation in the valley “Between the Hills.”

He enlisted in the Army and served from February 1955 until February 1958 and was a member of the Army Reserves until February 1963. While in the Army, he attained the rank of Specialist Second Class and was proud to be a part of several Army Airborne Units. During his station in Munich, Germany, with wife Betty by his side, they welcomed their first child.

After his service years, he could not wait to return to his beloved family and farm life in Neersville, where he always had a four-legged friend by his side and spent his time building his herds of black angus and Charolais cows, always with a bull named Charlie.

He enjoyed his many Farmall tractors, hunting, chopping wood, gardening, and working with his hands. He raised the best tasting sweet corn, tomatoes, beans, cantaloupes, and potatoes and for years proudly had a road-side farm stand.

Summers were filled with garden chores and making hay “while the sun shines”. He was musically inclined and enjoyed playing the harmonica or strumming his dad’s guitar. But his real joy came in singing hymns – he had the most beautiful singing voice.

In addition to farming, Johnny was employed by R.F. Kline Construction in Frederick, MD, retiring after 33 years as a construction foreman doing work all over the Maryland and Virginia area. One of his notable projects was the Carroll Creek Canal Project to help manage flood waters in Frederick, MD.

Johnny is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty Patricia Murphy Clatterbuck and three children: sons, John Randall (Tammy), Mark Lloyd (Shari) and daughter Crystal Lee (Ed) along with 6 grandchildren: Joshua, Rachael, John Daniel, Jolene, Jennifer, and Edward “Lee” as well as 11 great-grandchildren.

Johnny is survived by five sisters: Louise Fleming and Doris Reed of Purcellville, VA, Irene Ashby of Hamilton, VA, Nancy Colbert of Waterford, VA and Anna Marie Brenton of Ocklawaha, FL and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, John Claude, his mother, Evelyn Irene Edwards, his brother Joseph Calvin, and sister Jean Gallahan-Boswell.

The family appreciates the love and support being given at this difficult time and received friends at Hall Funeral Home in Purcellville, VA on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, with Pastor Roland England officiating the service. Interment followed at Hillsboro Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of the National Capital Area, 8180 Greensboro Drive, Suite 400, McLean, VA 22102.