James "Wallace" Clayton

James "Wallace" Clayton, 81, departed peacefully Monday, October 11, 2021 at his home surrounded by family. He was born on August 20, 1940 in Spartanburg, SC, to the late James Woodrow and Carleen Harris Clayton. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Coleen Studebaker Clayton.

After attending Garinger High School, Wallace pursued professional training and became an Optician. After a 40-year career, he retired from Charlotte Ophthalmology Clinic. He had a passion for music and was a talented drummer. His jazz bands performed in several country clubs, concerts and festivals across Charlotte over the years.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted sons, David, Michael and Stephen Clayton; daughter, Kelly Clayton-Bryant; sisters, Jackie Clayton-May and Frieda Clayton; sister-in-law, Libby Studebaker; son-in-law, John; daughters-in-law, Christine, Cristal and Nicole; and grandchildren, Rachel, David, LJ, Cole, Bailey and Savannah.

The service to honor and celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, October 15, 2021 in the chapel of McEwen @ Myers Park, 500 Providence Rd., Charlotte. Interment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00-1:45 pm prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 201 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org