Theldon Clay Polston

Theldon Clay Polston of Dallas, Georgia went home to be with the Lord on May 30, 2022. He
was born November 22, 1947, a son of the late Leonard Stanley and Viola Opal Polston in
Monette, Arkansas. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Elaine Polston, son Mark Polston,
brother Gary Polston (Phylis), nieces Sheila Meek (Dwight), Samantha and Alivia Cox, and
nephews Toby (Macey) and Samuel Cox. He is also preceded in death by brothers Ronald,
Harold, and Delbert Polston.

Clay joined the US Army from 1968-1970 and was deployed to Vietnam where he spent the
majority of his service within the 82nd Airborne Infantry Division. In 1969, he received news of
his father's death, and returned to the US where he fulfilled his remaining time in the Army as a
Drill Sergeant in Fort Knox, Kentucky. During his tour in Vietnam, Clay earned the Vietnam
Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Expert Badge
(Rifle), Marksmanship Badge(Pistol), National Defense Service Medal, and the Bronze Star
Medal. He received an honorable discharge in 1970.

After his time in the military was completed, Clay graduated from college with a Bachelor of Arts
degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Clay's personality and interest in retail
sales led him to begin a distinguished career in retail management that spanned over 40 years.
Clay loved his customers and was known for his strong work ethic and consistent high
performance. He began his career as a successful Safeway Store Manager for over 10 years.
Afterwards, he went on to become an experienced and accomplished District Manager opening
new stores for large retailers such as Best Buy and Silo Stores, Inc. Clay opened and managed
the first Best Buy store in Georgia, and also led store openings in South Carolina. Later in life,
he went on to become a talented kitchen designer as well as a building consultant designing
floor plans for new home construction. Clay also enjoyed building projects at home as a hobby
as well as fishing and collecting models of muscle cars, which he loved.

Clay will be greatly missed by all who loved and admired him.
A private family memorial service is being planned.