In Loving Memory of William Clopton Sr.

U.S.A.F. Lt. (ret.) Colonel William F. Clopton, born in Alabama, graduated from Tuskegee University with a degree in Chemistry and commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Air Force through the ROTC (1963). While at Tuskegee, he was taught by some of the original members of the “Tuskegee Airmen”.

Charles “Chief” Anderson, one of the original flight instructors in the Tuskegee Project, was his flight instructor. His first military assignment was to Undergraduate Pilot Training where he flew T-37s and T-38s at Vance AFB in Enid, OK.

His operational flying career included UC-123, C-124, C-141 and T-39 aircraft. He served as Pilot, Aircraft Commander, Instructor Pilot and Pilot Flight Examiner. Operational flying included Southeast Asia, Military Air Transport Service, and Military Airlift Command, Instructor Pilot/Flight Examiner with the Military Airlift Training School, Altus AFB, OK.

Lt. Colonel Clopton completed his flying career as a Command Pilot with over 5,500 flying hours. His military awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Republic of Viet Nam Gallantry Cross, Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Metal, Meritorious Service Medal, and multiple awards of the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross.

Lt. Colonel Clopton is survived by his wife Dr. Wilma E. Mosley Clopton, two sons William F. Clopton, Jr. (Kerrie) and John Bryant Clopton (Becca); grandchildren, Asher, Braeden, and Cira; brothers, Otis Clopton (Denice) and Douglas Griffith (Tonie).

Lt. Col. Clopton believed passionately in the work he and his wife did through NMHS Unlimited Film Productions, their 501(c)3 company dedicated to telling the untold stories of Mississippi African Americans and beyond. If you wish to pay tribute to Bill, support that which he supported – NMHS Unlimited. In lieu of flowers, make donations to NMHS Unlimited at www.blackhistoryplus.com.