In the early 70’s, Mac Clifton’s father, Paul Clifton was approached by a member of the community to discuss purchasing a home that would give residents a place to go after leaving the hospital. They realized there was no place for residents to go other than a nursing home for which they did not qualify. This level of care was developed and the first home was called Clifton Rest Home, then Hill View was added. These were small homes with a live-in caretaker. Later when these residents needed more care, an 80-bed facility called Abingdon Manor Home for the Aged was built.

As the Assisted Living Facility expanded, residents needed transportation to and from their doctor’s offices and/or hospitals. The only form of patient transport during the ’70s in the Abingdon area was the County rescue squad, which was used only for emergencies. In order to assist those in Abingdon Manor and fill a community need, Mac started Abingdon Ambulance Service. Within 6 months the need became so great they purchased a second and third ambulance. At this time more training and certification were needed, Mac and Carol worked toward getting a higher level of staff training, then become certified in Advanced Life Support. Many of the staff volunteered their time to help the Washington County Life Saving Crew as well. Carol Clifton became the first lady volunteer of that crew. Working together for higher training made both the paid service and the volunteer service more professional and provided better care.

Mac and Carol Clifton became familiar with many of the medical needs in the community through their medical services. As they transported patients back to their facilities, they became aware of the medical equipment needs to help these people live comfortably. Hospital beds, walkers, oxygen tanks, portable toilets, etc. were devices that became very useful and beneficial to many but were difficult to rent or purchase. After seeing a large need, Mac and Carol Clifton opened Mac’s Medical Equipment and Supplies.

As the need arose for more medical services, Mac and Carol started a home nursing service naming it, Home Nursing Service of Southwest Virginia. They also opened their first pharmacy, Northgate Pharmacy, which was located in Food Country on Hwy 19 in Abingdon. In 1980, the Clifton’s purchased the old Greendale Elementary School and turned it into Greendale Home for the Aged.

In 2005, the offices for Abingdon Ambulance, Home Nursing Service of Southwest Virginia, Mac’s Medical Equipment & Supplies, and Northgate Pharmacy all moved to The Campus off of Russell Rd. Having these companies under one roof allowed team members to assist each other and take care of the community from one location. Since moving to The Campus, the Clifton’s have added Hometown Hospice and Mac’s LTC Pharmacy which serves nursing homes and assisted living facilities. In recent years another location, Clifton Square, was opened for Northgate Pharmacy and Mac’s Medical Equipment & Supplies. This is located across the street from Johnston Memorial Hospital on Highway 11 in Abingdon, VA.

In 2015 The Clifton Companies became the unity banner for all the companies to be able to communicate the same level of quality and commitment to our community.

After the passing of Mac Clifton, Carol Clifton and their daughter Paula Clifton Mullins continue to carry on the tradition and vision of The Clifton Companies, neighbors serving neighbors. Together they serve as a united front to ensure the community receives the best care in the region. Paula Clifton Mullins is currently serving as the VP of Operations over Mac’s Medical Equipment & Supplies in addition to sitting on the Board of Director.

Affiliated companies:

25 years ago Mac and Carol Clifton joined forces with Jimmy Stewart to create the Clifton-Stewart group of companies to provide much-needed apartments, rental properties, storage, commercial development, and residential housing to our growing community.

Today the Clifton-Stewart group of companies continue to serve our community through employing local team members and providing support for growth in our community. Their newest project is a residential site, The Heritage at Abingdon.

Like The Clifton Companies, Clifton-Stewart also believes in neighbors helping neighbors. To learn more about Clifton-Stewart, please click here.