William David Clayton, 81, passed away suddenly Friday, Dec. 8, 2017, after a courageous battle with vascular dementia. He was born April 13, 1936, in Roxboro, N.C., to William Wright Clayton and Mabel Hatcher Clayton.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Kay Ann Clayton, who passed away July 26, 2016; and brothers, Jerry Clayton and Joe Clayton.
He is survived by his two children, Teresa Crittenton of Mebane, N.C., and David Lee Clayton of Spencer, N.C.; four stepchildren, Cindy Poteat of Wilmington, who was his main caregiver, Terry Barnhill of Burgaw, N.C., Tracy Mozingo of Green Bay, Wis., and Mike Alwand of Los Angeles, Calif.; grandchildren, Tony Crittenton of Prospect Hill, N.C., Chad Crittenton of Mebane, N.C., Michele Klawitter of Sebring, Fla., Precious Poteat of Cana, Va., and Boston Benton of Wilmington; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Ann Marshall of Durham, N.C.; brother, Charles Clayton of Hillsborough, N.C.; and numerous nieces, nephews, family, friends and his beloved dog, Buddy.
David was a man of great faith and strength. He loved to play his guitar and sing about his faith through gospel music.
The family will receive family and friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 11, at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Home, Oleander Drive. A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 12, at Pine Valley United Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd., Wilmington. Immediately following the service, the family will gather at Oleander Memorial Gardens for a short graveside service.
The family would like to thank the staff of Elderhaus Pace for the love, support and care they gave not only to David, but to his family during his sickness and through this difficult time.
Share online condolences with the family at coblewardsmithwilmington.com.
