Mr. William Franklin Clayton

William Franklin “Bill” Clayton, III, was like an unforgettable character in a memorable book. At 6’2” he was a big man who enjoyed big cups of sweet tea and big plates of BBQ at Thanksgiving; wore a big, mischievous smile; was a big jokester (some jokes being unrepeatable) and had a laugh as big as his voice; was a big fan of the Tarheels (he liked to say: “A Southerner by birth and a Tarheel by the grace of God”); and had an even bigger heart, which overflowed with love especially for his wife and family: he’d give you the shirt off his back; and though the youngest sibling, he often seemed like the oldest, always calling to check on his mother, older sisters, and their families. He also had a special place in his heart for animals, particularly feral felines. Bill died on Sunday, June 4, 2017, in Fayetteville, where he lived and worked (and he was a hard worker) most of his life. He was born on July 4, 1948, the youngest child of William Franklin Clayton, Jr., and Itie Mae Oliver Clayton. He is now reunited with them and his brother-in-law, Eddie Robinson, in heaven. Grieving his death but grateful for his life are his wife of thirty-one years Ruth Moore Clayton; his sister Betty Robinson; his sister Ann Reaves and her husband Cobby; his sister Mary Byrd and her husband Dan; his sisters-and-brothers-in-law, Velma and Earl Ball, and Lucille and William Douglass; nieces and nephews (who will never forget his “noogies” and jokes); and his beloved cat Jazzy. There will be a celebration of Bill’s life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society (3927 Bragg Boulevard, Fayetteville, NC 28303). Online condolences may be expressed at www.sullivanshighland.com. Services are entrusted to Sullivan's Highland Funeral Service & Crematory, Inc., of Fayetteville, NC.