Jeffrey Wayne Claiborn, 52, of Crocker, was born on January 14, 1971 at Waynesville, a son of Jerry Wayne and Fransa L. (Miller) Claiborn and departed this life at 9:53 a.m., on Friday, May 26, 2023 in the University Health Care Hospital, Columbia.

Jeff was united in marriage on October 20, 2001 at Crocker, to Miss Lyla Elaine Roberson, she preceded him in death on April 6, 2010. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his mother, Fran on April 3, 2003.

Jeff was baptized as a young man and was a member of the Hilltop Union Christian Church, Crocker. He was a truck driver all of his working life and was known to many as "Gunsmoke". Jeff was an expert trapper and hunter and was sought out from all over for his knowledge and skills. He loved sharing his knowledge with his nephews. He loved anything outdoors. As a child, he was known to ride his horse all over town, often with a buddy along on one of his other horses. He enjoyed rebuilding motors and was an avid drag racer. He also loved horse shows, team pulls and tractor pulls. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends.

Those left to mourn the passing of Jeff include: his father, Jerry Claiborn, Crocker; his daughter and son-in-law, Hannah and Josh White, Plato; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Denise and Greg York; Christi and Chris Leaverton and Cara Chamberlain, all of Crocker; four grandchildren, Matthew, Sophia, Gabby and Desirae; numerous uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held for Jeff from 5 – 7 p.m., Friday, June 9, 2023 in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Crocker.

A private family burial will be held at a later date and time in the Crocker Cemetery.