Junior Lee Clayton

Junior Lee Clayton, 88, a lifelong resident of Benton, departed this life peacefully on November 25, 2023, surrounded by those he loved the most.

He was born on September 30, 1935, in Benton, Tennessee, to the late Anzlee Qualls Rogers and Johnny Clayton.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Junior was a member of the Zion Baptist Church and Reliance Lodge #636.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beulah Clayton; brothers, Harold Clayton and David Clayton.

Left to cherish the many memories include his three daughters, Marcia (Tim) McClary, Angie Clayton, and Cindy (Darren) Hicks; cherished grandchildren, Avery (Kelsey) Akins, Laura (Caleb) Norwood, Ashleigh (Matt) Brown, Mason (Lindsey) Wilcoxon, Jordon Wilcoxon, Kaitlyn McClary, and Evan (MaKayla) Hicks; great-grandchildren, Knox Clayton, Jax Clayton, Fisher Akins, Conor Norwood, Gwyn Wilcoxon, Brooks Brown, Knox Norwood, Parker Brown, Aubree Brown, and Emma Cross; siblings, Faye Hooker, Myrtle (Charles) Lawson, Mary Green, and Carolyn (Dennis) Waters; sister in law, Mary Clayton; and special friend, Suze Martin.  Numerous extended family members and a host of friends also survive.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at Zion Baptist Church, with Rev. Steve Ross and Tim McClary officiating.  Interment will follow at Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Brice Moorhouse officiating.  Mark Evans, John Lewis, Robby Firestone, Evan Hicks, Mason Wilcoxon, Mike Hooker, Avery Akins, and Greg Clayton will serve as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will be Bruce Rymer, Tim Rogers, Johnny Bramlett, Johnny Raines, and Mutt Evans.

Family and friends will gather from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, and from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 and/or The Gideons International at P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.comm.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.