Cecil Clayton Hill II, 69, passed away Dec. 10, 2017, while in the extraordinary care of Riverside hospital in Newport News, Virginia.

Known as Clayton by his friends, he was adored by his wife and best friend, Raquelle. He loved his children, Jessica and Nathan; grandchildren, Becca, Ashleigh, Vickie and Paxton; and great-grandson, Gabriel. He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn (Jeff) Gower.

After 20 years in the U.S. Navy as a surface line officer, Clayton returned to his degree field and first career love of theater set design. He did stage design, directed and acted in the Peninsula Community Theater, the Poquoson Island Players and Williamsburg Players. He played guitar, wrote and performed music, and loved literature and good grammar.

Clayton was an honorable man. He lived life always doing the right thing, the decent thing. Serving his country and his Navy crewmen was always more important than politics and getting ahead. He applied those beliefs of service along with gratitude for the blessings he had.

Clayton was piped ashore at Riverside Regional Medical Center on Dec 10, 2017. Fair winds and following seas with our love.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Lung Association, WHRO or National Public Radio. Online condolences may be shared at Berceusefuneralhome.com.

Services will be private and his ashes will be scattered at a later date. Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions, Hampton, Virginia, is in charge of arrangements.