Michael Clanton was born and grew up in DeRidder. He graduated from DeRidder High School and attended Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, Texas, where he received a BBA degree.

Following in his businessman father's footsteps, he owned and operated a successful business for 30 years until his recent retirement. His mother was a music teacher/director who turned her creative talents after retirement toward art until her passing at 95 years of age. Michael, since his retirement, has also begun to explore his artistic talents.