Clifton is a fourth generation Texan who was born and raised in Kerrville. He attended Kerrville’s historic black Doyle School through his elementary years during segregation and graduated from Tivy High School in Kerrville in 1971. Clifton furthered his education at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, graduating in 1977. He is a retired history teacher and coach of 33 years from Kerrville Independent School District. Currently, Clifton is employed as the Outreach Coordinator for the Doyle Community Center.

Clifton has been a featured storyteller at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and a history presenter for the Texas Legislature. He frequently portrays historical figures, such as John of the Alamo, who he enjoys portraying because very few people are familiar with him or his story. Clifton received the 2021 Kerrville Citizen of the Year award. His hobbies include history, woodworking, storytelling, making and playing with old toys, cowboy poetry, music, and dance.