WIlliam C. "Clayton" Willcox

William Clayton Willcox (Clayton), born August 10, 1948 passed away July 18, 2024 at age 75. He was found confused, weak but alive in his home with a Wellness Check June 13 after repeated efforts to reach him by phone failed.
Clayton was taken by ambulance to Methodist Hospital where he was found to have Metastatic Melanoma Stage Four, with lesions in his brain, lungs and liver. Though he survived eleven successive radiation treatments, the cancer only grew and multiplied. It was found to be a pernicious and aggressive kind, and otherwise untreatable.
One month and five days from diagnosis, Clayton died on the evening of July 18, surrounded by his family and closest friends.
Though cancer took our brother and friend from us, the memory of Clayton's place in our hearts and lives will live on in legacy and fondest recollection.
Clayton remained single throughout his life. He was a great help to his parents with whom he lived and took care of.
Clayton shared his love of Lionel model trains and was a devoted member of two train collectors clubs. Sixteen retirement years as a devoted volunteer machinist, operator of riding trains and member of the St. Croix Railroad Train Club won him many friends with mutual interests.
Clayton also spent many a weekend fishing and helping with tourist fishing excursions from Terry's Marina on Mille Lacs Lake in Garrison, MN. Clayton took many trips out west to the Rocky Mountains with his parents and beloved Golden Retrievers, and was a loyal son who helped his parents on a daily basis, concluding with five years of caregiving shared with his two sisters and brother-in-law, while working as a machinist at a labeling division of Bemis Company. He was a devoted and valued employee of Acraply/Bemis Company for thirty years. He held one other machinist job for two years before retirement. Yet he stayed busy with his train and fishing exploits.
Another hobby of Clayton's was one he also shared with his father. Mom, Dad and Clayton belonged to the Packard Club for forty years. Clayton and Dad restored a 1935 Packard Club Sedan and would participate in Club Rallies and meetings with other vintage car club motorists.
Clayton's early training was at Dunwoody after graduating from Minnetonka High School in 1966.
He was known for his sharp wit, sense of humor, and native mechanical skills. He learned many industrial arts skills from his father who was a mechanical engineer and industrial arts teacher, and together shared their love of model trains, fishing, mountain travel, vintage and classic car restoration and RV camping.
Clayton was a beloved son, brother, cousin, grandson, uncle, grand-uncle, friend and neighbor, and will be sorely missed. He is survived by his two sisters, Coralee Willcox and Lynn Willcox Ripperger (Gary), nephew Philip Ripperger (Kacie), nieces Sara Ripperger Parker (Will), Dr. Amy Ripperger, Heidi Ripperger Carpenter (Phillip), five grand nieces and nephews Luke and Emma Ripperger, Thomas and Abby Parker and Malachi Carpenter.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Chapel View Care Center.
Huber Funeral and Cremation Services
Excelsior Chapel 952-474-9595