Obituary for William R. Clayton Sr.
William R. Clayton, 94, passed away peacefully at home on May 18, 2023. Born on August 5, 1928, in Spring Lake NJ, Bill lived his entire life in Ocean and Monmouth Counties. He was a proud “Piner” and a graduate of Lakewood High School in the class of 1946. Just out of high school, alongside his father Ralph, he founded his business Ralph Clayton and Sons. For over 70 years, he reveled in overseeing the successes of his beloved family and his family business.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Florence, his cherished wife of 51 years, Julie S. Clayton, two brothers, Richard and Paul, and grandson, Cory D. Clayton. Surviving are his sons Douglas R. Clayton and wife Dana, William R. Clayton and wife Nancy, and Daniel O. Clayton and wife Christine. He is also survived by his devoted grandchildren, Carli Clayton-Haas and husband Damian, Jennifer Clayton, Casey Clayton and wife Maren, William Clayton and wife Ashley, Matthew Clayton, and Julia Clayton. Happily, Bill also lived to know his great-grandchildren Darla, Harrison and Katherine Haas, Russell and Graham Clayton, and Ryleigh and Cole Clayton. He spoke often and truly cared about his many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Bill was lovingly cared for by Eliso Maisuradze for the past 12 years with help from her son-in-law, Davit Kherkheulidze.
Bill Clayton was a trustworthy and true friend, a helpful and caring gentleman, and a generous supporter of family and associates alike. He was serious about business and passionate about his family, always enthusiastic about discussing future plans with all of them. He loved to have his family around him during visits and gatherings. He delighted in watching his younger grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their activities and was always captivated by them when they spoke.
Under the direction of Bill Clayton, Clayton Companies grew from a small family business to a monumental conglomeration of companies that service the Garden State and beyond. This growth could have never been accomplished without his vision of building a business with his family by his side. He was an innovative leader with a genuine awareness of the diligence that is necessary in order to be successful in one’s endeavors. He truly cared for and spoke often to his employees and loved to visit all the locations.
William R. Clayton was a benefactor to many charitable organizations, hospitals, and schools throughout his life and achieved accolades including a lifetime achievement award from the New Jersey Chapter of the American Concrete Institute and the New Jersey Concrete and Aggregate Association and a distinguished citizen award from the Boy Scouts of America.
At the request of the family, private services and burial will be held.
Arrangements are under the care of Orender Family Home for Funerals, Manasquan, NJ. In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of William R. Clayton’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Ocean University Medical Center Foundation, 343 Thornall Street, 7th Floor, Edison, NJ 08837 or online at givehmh.org/Ocean.
To send condolences to the family please visit www.orenderfamilyhome.net.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Florence, his cherished wife of 51 years, Julie S. Clayton, two brothers, Richard and Paul, and grandson, Cory D. Clayton. Surviving are his sons Douglas R. Clayton and wife Dana, William R. Clayton and wife Nancy, and Daniel O. Clayton and wife Christine. He is also survived by his devoted grandchildren, Carli Clayton-Haas and husband Damian, Jennifer Clayton, Casey Clayton and wife Maren, William Clayton and wife Ashley, Matthew Clayton, and Julia Clayton. Happily, Bill also lived to know his great-grandchildren Darla, Harrison and Katherine Haas, Russell and Graham Clayton, and Ryleigh and Cole Clayton. He spoke often and truly cared about his many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Bill was lovingly cared for by Eliso Maisuradze for the past 12 years with help from her son-in-law, Davit Kherkheulidze.
Bill Clayton was a trustworthy and true friend, a helpful and caring gentleman, and a generous supporter of family and associates alike. He was serious about business and passionate about his family, always enthusiastic about discussing future plans with all of them. He loved to have his family around him during visits and gatherings. He delighted in watching his younger grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their activities and was always captivated by them when they spoke.
Under the direction of Bill Clayton, Clayton Companies grew from a small family business to a monumental conglomeration of companies that service the Garden State and beyond. This growth could have never been accomplished without his vision of building a business with his family by his side. He was an innovative leader with a genuine awareness of the diligence that is necessary in order to be successful in one’s endeavors. He truly cared for and spoke often to his employees and loved to visit all the locations.
William R. Clayton was a benefactor to many charitable organizations, hospitals, and schools throughout his life and achieved accolades including a lifetime achievement award from the New Jersey Chapter of the American Concrete Institute and the New Jersey Concrete and Aggregate Association and a distinguished citizen award from the Boy Scouts of America.
At the request of the family, private services and burial will be held.
Arrangements are under the care of Orender Family Home for Funerals, Manasquan, NJ. In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of William R. Clayton’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Ocean University Medical Center Foundation, 343 Thornall Street, 7th Floor, Edison, NJ 08837 or online at givehmh.org/Ocean.
To send condolences to the family please visit www.orenderfamilyhome.net.