Clayton Willis, Sr.

Clayton Willis Sr., lovingly nicknamed “Bae Bae” by his siblings, was born on October 6, 1943, in Grenada, Mississippi, to Jimmie Willis and Littie Anna (Bowdry) Willis. He was the seventh son among eleven children—eight boys and three girls. His siblings were Jimmie Jr. (Hattie Mae), Henry Lee (Butterine), John Allen, Lewis Hill, Robert, Ben Adam, Clayton, James, Sevella (Johnny Ross), Pauline, and Rosie Wright (Tommy).

Clayton was preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings: Henry Lee, John Allen, Lewis Hill, Robert, Ben Adam, James, Sevella, and Pauline.

He attended Grenada High School and later worked at Belgray Inc. in Grenada while also helping on the family farm. As the last child to leave Mississippi, Clayton remained devoted to his father for many years. Eventually, he moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he worked in hotel services and as a cook. Clayton deeply loved his family, holding a special admiration for his eldest brother, Jimmie, often telling him he “wanted to be with him.” He was also a devoted protector of his youngest sister, Rosie, caring for her and shielding her from their brother James’s playful but sometimes mean-spirited childhood antics.

Clayton shared a special bond with his nephews, Robert Lee “LeeLee” Willis Jr. and Antonio Willis, whom he loved and cared for as if they were his own sons. He also shared a close relationship with his cousin, Sal Bowdry. When Sal moved to California, Clayton joined him and soon began working as a security guard before gaining employment at Teledyne Controls.

It was there that Clayton met the love of his life, Johnnie Mae. Together they built a beautiful life, and Clayton became a devoted stepfather to her two adult sons, Curtis Leon Jr. and Wesley Tyrone Murdock (Carla). Later, Clayton and Johnnie Mae were blessed to adopt two children, Destiny Daleon and Clayton Christopher.

Clayton loved the Lord and carried a strong Christian foundation throughout his life. He was first baptized by his cousin, Reverend Boston Bowdry Jr., in Compton, California. After the family settled in Corona, California, they made Corona Christian Center their church home, where Clayton also worked faithfully as a janitor. When the family later relocated to Malvern, Arkansas—Johnnie Mae’s hometown—he attended several local churches in Malvern and Perla. Through their daughter Destiny’s involvement with ACTS Ministries while in college, the family often attended services there. Eventually, Clayton was baptized in the name of Jesus at ACTS Ministries in Conway, Arkansas, and chose to make it his permanent church home.

Clayton was known as the strong, silent type, but his quiet nature carried a gentle spirit. He enjoyed watching sports and old movies, fishing, cooking, and spending time with his family. His hot water cornbread, potato salad, and fried chicken were unmatched. A loyal fan of both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Lakers, he rarely missed a game.

More than anything, Clayton loved taking care of his family. Whether running errands, chauffeuring children and grandchildren to ballgames, band concerts, or school activities, fixing a car, or building a cabinet or shed, he took joy in meeting the needs of those he loved.

After 44 years of marriage, Clayton stepped peacefully into eternity. His memory will forever be cherished by his devoted wife, Johnnie Mae; brother, Jimmie Willis Jr.; sister, Rosie Wright; brothers-in-law, Jerome, Ralph, and Joe Owens; sisters-in-law, Annie Jean Ellis and Jeanette Singleton; daughter, Destiny Willis; son, Christopher Willis; stepsons, Curtis and Wesley Murdock; grandchildren, Clayton Zion Willis, Cy’rhia Queen Willis, and Enzo Willis; six step-grandchildren; three bonus love grandchildren; ten step-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Clayton's Homegoing Celebration will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at St. Paul Church of God in Christ in the Perla community of Malvern. Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M., at Brandon’s Mortuary in Malvern. Following the service, his earthly body will be laid to rest at El Bethel Cemetery in Hermitage, Arkansas.

An online guestbook is available below for family and friends to share memories and expressions of love. Brandon’s Mortuary is honored to serve the Willis family with professional and compassionate care.