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.
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44 Condolence(s)
Molly Baker
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Tosha and Mark, we are so very sorry for the loss of your dad, and I am terribly sorry we did not know until now. Just know that we live and miss you guys, and wish we could be there to give you hugs.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.†Romans 8: 38-39
Ronnie and Molly Baker
Jessica greer
Monday, January 9, 2023
I’ve known Gary all my life!! He was a lot of fun !!! I remember as a kid him dancing and singing he always had a smile on his face … love you Gary !!!
Patricia Edwards
Monday, January 9, 2023
So sorry to be reading this. Gary was much loved by everyone who met him. Rest In Peace Gary.
Gail Erwin
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Jeremy,Tosha, and Crystal.
We are so very sorry for your loss. If we can do anything for you please let us know.
Clair Travis
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Thinking of you today. Praying for you and your family. Hugs dear friend.
Paula Marie Thompson Hammersley
Saturday, January 7, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss.
Jennifer Poole
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Tanya and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of Gary.
It is evident the impact he made on his family and friends and his community.
I am praying peace for your heart and comfort in knowing that his loss on this earth is his great eternal reward as he dances at the feet of Jesus in all His glory.
God bless you, My Friend.
Susan Esche
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Tanya and family- so very sorry for your loss. Gary never met a stranger, because you were instantly his friend. He will be greatly missed.
Allen Stout
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Gary was a fun, loving person. I can't think of him without the memories of his smile and laughter. As a kid growing up in First Assembly, Gary was there making sure that we all had a good time and sharing the love of God.
Jeremy, Tosha, and Crystal, thanks for sharing your Dad with me. Love yall.
Jim and Marilyn Anglin
Friday, January 6, 2023
As many others expressed, Gary had a marvelous beaming smile! You could not help smiling back. Gary is one person I wish I knew better. He was a fighter with a sweet spirit. May God give you peace and strength during this time. Tanya, please consider us a friend. Please do not hesitate to call, text, for anything.
Tim & Leigh Johnson
Friday, January 6, 2023
We are deeply grieved at the loss of Gary. He made such a difference in our lives. We remember him with the firm belief that we’ll see him again one day.
Lyndon and Donna Finney
Friday, January 6, 2023
We are so saddened to hear about Gary. He’s always been such a great guy. Sending lots of love and prayers to your sweet family.
Brandi Shinn
Friday, January 6, 2023
Tosha, I am so sorry for your loss…. I will be praying for you guys. Love you big!!
Patsy and Robert Trammel
Friday, January 6, 2023
Our prayers are with you and family during this time of losing Gary. We are so sorry for your loss.
Tonya Williams
Friday, January 6, 2023
Tosha,
The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education sends prayers to you and your family.
Tonya
Johnny & Denise Swann
Friday, January 6, 2023
Tosha, Jeremy, and Crystal, Im so sorry for the loss of your dad. Gary always had such a positive outlook on life; always smiling! and willing to help anyone that needed it! He knew Jesus, and it showed! I'm certain he will be standing at the pearly gates welcoming all of us home.
Ted Beck
Friday, January 6, 2023
Tosha, I am very sorry to hear about your father. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God's love be with you all.
Kelley Milner Oglesby
Friday, January 6, 2023
I'm so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Gary was a wonderful person. Prayers for his family.
Paulette Boren
Friday, January 6, 2023
My heart breaks for the family. It's so hard to get through the process of losing someone you love. I pray God gives you the peace you need to get through this. Gary will be so missed by his family, church family and friends. We love you Gary!
Suzanne Smith Barger
Friday, January 6, 2023
Tanya and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers will continue for you all. Let me know if there is anything I can do.
Carla Baldwin
Friday, January 6, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. God Bless and my you find peace. Carla Baldwin
Billy and Penny Tinkle
Friday, January 6, 2023
Praying for all of you
Shirley Bearden
Friday, January 6, 2023
I always found such warmth, kindness and understanding from Gary as he and Tonya led a divorce care class at a church several years ago. His kind smile and open arms were always so welcoming and caring in a time I needed It most. Gary and Tonya have always been a beautiful example of a loving, devoted relationship and I’m forever grateful to have witnessed this. Rest in Gods arms, Gary. You’ll forever be loved and missed here but we will see your sweet smile again.
Charlene Abshire
Friday, January 6, 2023
May our Loving God provide you and the family with His comfort, strength, and peace during your time of grief.
Mike and Cheryl Forbus
Friday, January 6, 2023
So sorry to hear about the loss of Gary.
May God bless all the family in this time of grief and remembrance!
VirginiaTaylor
Friday, January 6, 2023
Gary always had a smile on his face , he was a wonderful man. Was fun having him in my upholstery class.
So sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers
Jenny Welch
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Tanya,
I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was jovial and his smile was infectious. He was always so kind to Tyler and I. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Harold McCormick
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Sorry for your loss. Praying for the lords peace and comfort during this time.
Leslie J. Moore
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Tonya, Andrea, and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was such a kind and wonderful man. He was always smiling, encouraging, and helping others. He also was the first to the dance floor! He will be missed dearly. My thoughts, love, and prayers are with you all. May the Lord continue to be your rock and give you peace.
Ann Rogers
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Gary was one of the nicest guys I ever met. I worked at the gallery above Capeo and he was always there in a heartbeat whenever we needed his expertise! So sorry for your loss.
Libbie Terry Dougan
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Dear Tanya, et all, Please accept my sincerest condolences. I am asking The Holy Spirit to pour His peace and contentment, comfort and joy, down over you all, like warm honey. As we all know, Gary was always such a bright and shining light in everyone’s life, that was lucky enough to know him! I know that Gary is dancing down those golden streets in Heaven! Thank you all, ever so much, for sharing him with me! Blessings! Libbie
Karen Williams
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Tanya, Robert and I have many fond memories of Gary. He was one of a kind and will be missed by so many. We love you and will be there to help in any way possible.
Sylvia Jeffery
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Gary was a wonderful friend. Praying for his family.
Jim & Kelhe Hatfield
Thursday, January 5, 2023
We are deeply, deeply saddened for you and your family. God does an incredible thing when people pray for one another...they become like family...and our family hurts with yours. You both have been in our prayers & supplications before the Lord every day and we will continue to do so as you all walk through this new season of your lives. In Christ alone, Jim & Kelhe Hatfield (IBCLR)
Roy Dudley
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
My sincere condolences. Gary was a wonder ful man. May he remain in your hearts forever.
Elizabeth Hughes
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
RIP Gary u new me as Mary Beth Mahoney
Pete and Lori Lombardi
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
It was with great sorrow that we learned of Gary’s passing. He was such a kind and wonderful person and will be missed by so many. Our hearts are with you.
Brooke & Ellen Samuelson
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Tanya,
Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Pete and Lori Lombardi
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
It was with great sorrow that we learned of Gary’s passing. He was such a kind and wonderful person and will be missed by so many. Our hearts are with you.
Pete and Lori Lombardi
Tuesday, January 3, 2023
It was with great sorrow that we learned of Gary’s passing. He was such a kind and wonderful person and will be missed by so many. Our hearts are with you.
Mark and Becky Smith
Tuesday, January 3, 2023
Tonya & Family: Our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Gary. Our hearts are with you. We are praying for peace and comfort.
Pete and Lori Lombardi
Tuesday, January 3, 2023
It was with great sorrow that we learned of Gary’s passing. He was such a kind and wonderful person and will be missed by so many. Our hearts are with you.
Brenda Oglesby Tullos
Tuesday, January 3, 2023
In our thoughts and prayers, from the Oglesby family.
Bill and Retha Bush
Monday, January 2, 2023
Tanya, our hearts are so saddened for you and your family in the loss of your sweet Gary. It is comforting that he is at peace now, after so many years of suffering, but he will be missed. Our prayers are for you to feel complete rest and God’s presence, as He wraps His arms around you during the hard days to come. We love you.