Clothier used his artistic spirit to help others, including some of Cleveland's best known entertainers, look and feel their best
December 11, 1944 - February 17, 2024
Ronald Dwight Clayton was a man of style and substance. His presence, one of warmth and quiet confidence, made an impression on you even if you did not know his name. For many, he was the stylish, uniquely coiffed gent who stood at the entrance of ManTalk International Boutique at Severance Mall in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. If you chanced to enter, you stood a good chance of emerging with your own sense of confidence elevated by the sartorial elegance he helped you attain in his low-key manner.
Mixed in among the loyal clientele he acquired during his lengthy tenure at ManTalk were a bevy of well-known entertainers, including the comedians Steve Harvey and John Henton, and music stars Gerald LeVert and the O’Jays. Highlighted in the Carlo Wolff book, Cleveland Rock & Roll Memories, for dressing icons and helping each person who crossed his path feel confident and sharp. Ronald had a passion for helping each of his customers look his best.
That passion was an expression of Ronald’s own artistic talent. Encouraged by his art teacher at Glenville HS to pursue a career in the arts, Ronald applied to and was accepted at the Art Students League of New York, a highly regarded art school that is part of the American Fines Art Society. But his dreams were cut short by the Vietnam War, and he found himself serving as a radio man from 1965 to 1967. He performed the role with his characteristic aplomb, becoming one of the longest serving radio men during the war and being featured in the U.S. military newsletter, Stars and Stripes.
Ronald found love and companionship in the arms of Gail Hines, whom he married on Saturday, June 23, 1973. Their union produced a daughter, Heather Claretta Clayton, and eventually two grandchildren, Harper Claretta Terry and Braxton Clayton Terry. The Claytons became a fixture on Cumberland Road in Cleveland Heights, within walking distance of Ronald’s work at ManTalk.
Ronald doted on his grandchildren, and reveled in every opportunity to impart his joy, wisdom, humor, and love to them and his nieces and nephews.
In 2006, Ronald rediscovered painting as a mode of expression. As a master storyteller and self-taught painter, Ronald’s artwork canvases were non-traditional. He made it a point to use materials from abandoned inner-city homes and common acrylic house paint to explore the legacies of the enslaved, poverty, and war. Through his art, Ronald sought to add a new perspective on the American Dream, deconstructing its mythology, challenging our collective tolerance for social injustice and examining what it means to Black in America.
Club 24 in Cleveland Heights was an instrumental part of Ronald’s personal growth. Ronald often spoke of the environment it created for healing and self-reflection. He attended daily and reveled in the opportunity to take what he learned from Club 24 members and help others become their very best selves.
Ronald was born on December 11, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Eloise Craig and Frank Clayton. He died February 17, 2024. His younger brother, Frank predeceased him, as did their parents. He is survived by his wife, daughter, grandchildren, Braxton and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Services were held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at South Euclid UCC followed by a private interment. Arrangements were entrusted to Strawbridge Memorial Chapel.
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