Mr. William Clay Sawyer

Mr. William Clay Sawyer, age 99, of Fayetteville, TN, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Higgins Funeral Home, with Bro. Tommy Graham and Bro. James Strope officiating. Burial will follow in Campbell Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Higgins Funeral Home.

Clay was born on July 21, 1926, in Lincoln County, TN, to the late Lonnie Clay Sawyer and Sallie Lou Norman Sawyer Stevenson. He worked for many years in furniture sales before proudly owning and operating the Past Time Café from 1985 to 1989. Clay loved old country music and was well known as an avid dog and horse trader. He especially enjoyed tending to his sheep and goats, a hobby he kept up well into his later years.

Above all, Clay cherished his family. He was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather and friend who always had a smile, a story, or a helping hand to share. His love and guidance will be remembered by all who knew him.

He is survived by his children, Doris (Randall) Davis, Lynn Simms (and the late Ronnie Simms), Phillip Sawyer, Annette (Mack) Parks, and Lonnie (Penny) Sawyer; grandchildren, Nicole Davis, Sonya Davis, Darrin (Nan) Simms, Brad Simms, Kim (Troy) Long, Brandy Sullivan (Chris Harwell), Cami (Kevin) Young, Adam (Jill) Parks, Landon (Kari) Sawyer, and Michele (Jay) Edwards; 22 great-grandchildren, Lauren, Malachi, Aaron, Jacob, Jessica, Kirbie, Andrew, Blake, Logan, Katie Rae, Clay, Bethany, Caylee, Josh, Madison, Chloe, Tucker, Maclae, Jaxxon, Josie, Brodie, and Ryan; 8 great-great-grandchildren; and nephews, Buddy (Cindy) English, Jamie (Lisa) English, and Tim (Jessica) English. Clay will also be remembered by his special friend, Mattie Sawyer, and his dear friend like a brother, Doug Barnes.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Sawyer was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Edith Irene Bradford Sawyer; sister, Betty Jo Sawyer (Jimmy) English; grandchildren, Angie Davis and Lee Davis; and great-grandchildren, Michael and River.

Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. William Clay Sawyer.