Paul Henry Clayton, Jr.

After a courageous battle against cancer, Paul Henry Clayton, Jr. passed away on August 16, 2024 with his family by his side at his home in Round Rock, Texas. Paul Henry Clayton, Jr. was born on June 8, 1947, in Houston, TX to parents Paul Henry Clayton, Sr. and Georgia Ellisor Clayton. He was one of three generations, including his father and his two sons, to attend Columbia High School. During his time at Columbia High, Paul Henry achieved many accomplishments and was recognized by his classmates as a class officer and class favorite. Friends and former classmates describe Paul's character as "sterling".

Paul excelled in track and in 1964 set the regional record in the 880-yard run. He then went on to the state finals and upon graduation received a track scholarship to Lamar University. His youngest son, while playing football at Columbia High, fondly remembers being told by a coach that they could use him on their track team if he was half as good as his dad.

While attending college at Lamar, Paul was aware that his draft number was coming up so he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country in Vietnam. After military service he returned home to Texas and completed his degree at Sam Houston State University.

Paul shared 54 years of marriage with his wife, Paulette Livingston Clayton, also of West Columbia and raised two sons, Paul Kevin and Darren Michael. Paul's loves were his family, family get-togethers, working in his yard, and traveling. He got yard of the month so many times that he and Paulette lost count. Christmas was his favorite time of the year, and his sons joked that the house had so many lights and decorations it looked like the Griswold's.

Upon his retirement Paul and Paulette bought a travel trailer and traveled about a month at a time. He loved seeing firsthand God's amazing scenery and colors.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Paul Henry Sr. and Georgia Ellisor Clayton, brothers William Lawrence (Bill) and Charles Ray, sister, Paulette Clayton Cosby. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Paulette Livingston Clayton, sons Paul Kevin and Darren Michael of Round Rock TX; siblings Molly Krolczyk of Santa Fe, TX and George Clayton (his wife Barbara) of West Columbia, TX; six nieces, six nephews and numerous cousins.

 Paul has gone to his eternal home to rest in peace and comfort. We love you and will hold tight to you in our hearts. While our family chain is now broken, as God calls us one by one, our family chain will be linked again.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Friday August 23rd from 5-7 P.M. at C.T. Baker Funeral Home 634 S. Columbia Dr. His funeral service will be on Saturday August 24th at 2 P.M. at the funeral home. Interment to follow at Cedat Lawn Haven of Rest Cemetery, West Columbia.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.ctbakerfuneral.com