Edwin "Ed" E. Clayton Jr.

Edwin (Ed) E. Clayton, Jr. passed away May 25, 2024, at Bon Secours Saint Francis Hospital in Greenville, SC. He was preceded in death by his parents, E.E. Clayton, Sr. and Lucille Smith Clayton.

He was born in Belton, SC, and lived there until age five; at which time his family moved to Clemson. Ed graduated from D.W. Daniel High School in 1968, and attended Anderson University and Baptist College of Charleston.

Ed worked with Tom Duncan Chevrolet in Greer, SC for over 20 years. For many of those years, he served as General Manger. At the height of his career, he sold 364 cars in one year. His last position before retirement was with Bobby Wood Chevrolet in Walhalla, SC.

Following retirement, he developed a love of woodworking. Using found wood, he made walking canes, which he gave away to anyone in need; also, Halloween and Christmas decorations. He loved his Clemson Tigers – any sport, it did not matter. He loved watching NASCAR and drag racing on TV.

Ed is survived by his wife, Donna Gordon Clayton of Clemson, SC; one sister, Margaret Clayton Sloan and husband Chip, of Greer, SC; one daughter, Katie Clayton Lea, and husband Scott of Easley, SC; two stepsons: Jon McCall and wife Sherri of Charleston, SC and Jay McCall of Clemson, SC. He is also survived by one granddaughter, Lillie Cate Lea of Easley; two step grandsons; Seth McCall and wife Emma of Mt. Pleasant, Elias McCall of Charleston and step granddaughter, Gabby McCall of Houston, TX, and a number of very special cousins.

Anyone who knew Ed over the last few years remembers that he wore shorts every day, no matter the weather or temperature. So, when attending his memorial service, please feel free to wear shorts in his honor.

The entire Clayton family joins together in thanking Dr. Matthew Nessmith for his kindness, genuine caring and expertise in taking care of Ed during his last years. Also, we are grateful for the nurses and entire staff who make up the “Tele Team,” on the 3rd floor, of Saint Francis. We will be forever grateful.

A memorial service for Ed will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Pendleton United Methodist Church, Pendleton, SC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pendleton United Methodist Church Capital Campaign, 217 S. Broad St., Pendleton, SC 29670 or to the charity of one’s choice.