Rev. Dr. Paul Wesley Clayton

Clayton, died September 25,2021 in Jackson, TN.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn Smith Clayton; children Amy Clayton Goodson (Brad) and Wes Clayton (Cathy); grandchildren: Matt Clayton (Alyssa), Brooke Goodson Gentile (Andrew), Nancy Clayton Long (Dallas), Sarah Clayton Pugachev (Leo), and Claire Goodson; great-grandsons: William Clayton, Clayton Long, and Henry Pugachev; siblings: Mary Clayton Douglass, Elaine Clayton Weatherford, Brooks Clayton, John Clayton, and Hope Clayton Koebbe; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Martha Clayton McLaughlin. Paul was a graduate of Dyer High School (1953), Lambuth College (1957), and Candler School of Theology at Emory University (1960).

Paul began his life's work as a student pastor at age 17. He served faithfully as a United Methodist pastor and leader in the Memphis Conference until his official retirement at age 70. He pastored churches throughout Tennessee and Kentucky, including Forest Heights and First United Methodist in Jackson where he and Carolyn retired. He also served as a district superintendent and as a delegate to Jurisdictional and General Conferences. Paul continued to actively minister after his retirement by his acts, words, and deeds whenever and however needed, serving, among other things, as a member of the Board of Directors of Reelfoot Rural Ministry, interim pastor for Bolivar United Methodist Church, teacher, and faithful volunteer with the READ Team reading program for at-risk students.

Paul lived a full life, following the great commandments of Jesus to love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. He exemplified that love with gentle grace, compassion, and humility to all he encountered. While he was a dedicated servant and leader to his congregations and to his family, his service extended beyond to his communities and to anyone in need. He enjoyed being a part of the communities where he lived and especially treasured his time as a member of "Uncle Billy's Breakfast Club". He was a lifelong learner and adventurer. He and his brothers loved to hike Mt. Le Conte. In recent years he enjoyed traveling, especially to Estes Park, Colorado, and hiking with family in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Paul was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He possessed boundless energy and interest in his grandchildren's lives. He loved to learn and be with family (who could always expect Paul to come up with a project to make their lives better). He loved games and had a gentle but mischievous sense of humor.

One of Paul's favorite benedictions was a motto for his approach to life: "Come lean thine arm upon the windowsill of heaven and gaze upon thy God. Then, with the vision in thy heart, turn strong to meet thy day."

A memorial service will be held October 2nd at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church. Jackson. TN.

Everyone is welcome. In respect of Paul's commitment to protect others, masks and social distancing will be required. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church, 200 S. Church Street, Jackson, TN 38301 or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GeorgeASmithandSons.com for the Clayton family.