of Little Rock, AR

January 5, 1954 - December 31, 2022

William ''Gary'' Clayton joined his beloved King Jesus on Friday, December 31, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Carel and Ola Mae Clayton. He is survived by his loving wife, Tanya of 23 years; daughter, Tosha Smith (Mark) of Austin; son, Jeremy Clayton of Fort Myers, Florida; daughter, Crystal Spradlin (Ronnie) of Atkins; step-daughter, Andrea Andrews (Nathan) of Austin, Texas and daughter-in-law, Keisha Clayton of Maumelle; sisters, Edie Bache of Gainesville, Florida, Sue Isaac and Barbara Ching of Cabot; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Gary was born in Martinsville, Indiana on January 5th, 1954 before moving to Cabot, Arkansas where he attended the Cabot Public School. He joined the Army and volunteered to serve in Vietnam but was assigned to Germany for two years. After his tour, he enrolled in Arkansas State University at Beebe, where he studied business and received his HVAC certification. He started his own business, Clayton Heat and Air, in 1983.

Gary found his greatest calling as he began serving his Lord and Savior. He was selected as a deacon at the First Assembly of God Church in Cabot and a leader for Royal Rangers. In 1999, Gary relocated to Little Rock and became a member of Immanuel Baptist Church where he served as a greeter, a Divorce Care facilitator and in the prayer ministry. His joy for sharing the love of Christ was evident in his love for people and the church.

Gary was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying duck hunting with his brother-in-law and nephews, scuba diving, skiing and boating. He loved to swim and found great pleasure in woodworking, upholstery and repairing anything that needed his touch.

Gary was notoriously passionate for music and dancing. He was always the first on the dance floor at every wedding.

In 2002, Gary restored a top ten endangered Arkansas building, the Faucette-Cook building in Argenta and converted it into Ristorante Capeo. He was recognized for his contributions to the Argenta Historic District.

Gary's greatest joy was his family and the love for his many friends and customers. He had a zest for life that was infectious and never met a stranger. Any obstacle was seen as an opportunity. His positive attitude and inner joy and strength brought inspiration to those who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church at 501 North Shackleford Road, Little Rock on January 7, 2023 at 10:00 am with visitation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UAMS Neurosurgery Department, Arkansas Children's Hospital or Immanuel Baptist Church.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com