Kenneth Clifton

Kenneth Ray Clifton, Sr., of North Little Rock, our brother, father and friend, passed away Thursday, February 7, 2008. He had been in ill health for the past few years, but through it all he still kept his victory in the Lord. Kenneth was born in North Little Rock on July 22, 1937.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn Waycasy Clifton; and father, James G. Clifton. Survivors include a son, Kenny Clifton (Donna), of Ward; sister, Linda Clark (Rayburn) of Fairfield, Ohio; brother, Norman Clifton (Shirley) of North Little Rock; and many nieces; nephews and friends.
He served in the United States Air Force and returned to the family business, Clifton Auto Parts. Kenneth was a pioneer of racing in Arkansas. He started in 1954 at Jacksonville Speed Bowl. He later raced on the professional racing circuit. After retiring from the racing circuit he bought a sprint car from Roger McCluskey of Indianapolis 500 fame and returned to Arkansas to race in regional races.
He bought the old Benton Speed Bowl and later rebuilt it into what is now I-30 Speedway. He was a good race promoter bringing new ideas and race programs to I-30 Speedway.
He was the ?Godfather? of sprint car racing in Arkansas. After selling I-30 Speedway in 1987 he remained active in racing until he received the infilling of the Holy Ghost in 1991 and the rest of his life he loved the Lord and loved witnessing for the Lord.
He was full of stories and he loved to tell them. He will be missed by all. The racing community lost a good fan, but the Lord added another committed Saint to Heaven?s roll.
Funeral service will be held 12:00 P.M., Monday at First Pentecostal Church in North Little Rock officiated by Rev. Joel N. Holmes. Burial will be in Rest Hills Memorial Park. Family will receive friends from 3:30 to 5:30 P.M., Sunday at the church. Services conducted by North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest register at www.nlrfh.com.