Clayton Lynn Wigley

Clayton L. Wigley, a man of extraordinary character and boundless heart, passed away on September 30, 2025, leaving behind a legacy as vibrant and unforgettable as the laughter he so often inspired.

The following quotations from family, colleagues and friends offer a heartfelt and authentic reflection of Clayton’s character:

"FAMILY MAN": Despite his inexperience, Clayton was “all in” to being a husband, father, grandfather, brother and fatherin-law. He valued family highly – grandparents to cousins. He even hired a few of them!"

"GENEROUS": The car he donated, the small businesses he supported, the friends in need, the Aunt with a fallen tree – with hands, phone or wallet, Clayton was there."

"ENTREPRENEUR/LEGACY": When Clayton was a kid, his dad said of him: “He’ll either be a CEO or the head of a criminal operation!” He took the CEO route, establishing his own company (National Tax Resource Group/NTRG) in December 1999. His vision was displayed on “The White Board.” Colleagues say he changed the industry as pioneer and thought leader. He earned loyalty from his employees and clients, serving them in return."

"RACONTEUR, FUNNY, AND CHARISMATIC": A Wigley table, whether a holiday feast or a blackjack game, always rang with laughter when Clayton was there. It didn’t matter how stale the story, he made it new again, and hilarious. He could hold a crowd in the palm of his hand."

"INTELLIGENT and WISE": You don’t become a success in the tax business (or any business) without some smarts. Clayton was interesting, authentic, clever and larger than life."

"LOYAL, DEPENDABLE, PROTECTIVE AND DETERMINED": You could count on him to get it done."

"ONE OF ONE": There’s no one else like him."

"GOOD FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR": Clayton was a fixture on the golf course and a pillar in his community. His warmth and charm built lasting friendships and made him beloved by many. He was the one on whom to depend in a time of need. Described as generous, caring and loyal, he was among the first to arrange social gatherings, forming the basis for solid friendships. He was charismatic, entertaining, and kind, known simply as a remarkable man."

"LOVER": The love of his life and his heart: Kristi met Clayton in 2007 after a friend introduced them. Within a few months, the Wigley’s had adopted Kristi and said “that’s our girl; she’s a keeper.” They shared interests in travel, family, and time together – just daily life."

Clayton is preceded in death by his parents, Bennie Wigley and Anita Sue Walden, and his brother Curtis.

He is survived by his beloved wife Kristi; his daughter Marie Maloberti, grandchildren Linzi, Luna, Luka, and a new baby soon to arrive; his sister KJ and brother Lance; his aunts Barbara Wilcox, Judy Pulice, and Joanie Bibby; and a wide circle of cousins and cherished friends and colleagues.

Professionally, he leaves behind a devoted team at NTRG, including Josh Sanchez, Debbie Garcia, Robert Feiger, and Mitton Rosenhouse—colleagues who helped build his vision and will carry it forward.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the ALS Association, donations may be made by following the donation link below.

A celebration of Clayton’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, October 6th at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship Church in Carrollton, Texas.

A graveside service for Clayton will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, October 10th at Resthaven Park Cemetery 6450 W Northern Avenue, Glendale, Arizona, 85301.

Clayton may be physically absent, but his laughter, love, and legacy will live in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.