Ernest Clinton Clayton

Ernest Clinton Clayton, age 93 of Tuscaloosa, Alabama passed away on February 26, 2026 at his home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at Covenant Church with Dolan Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Big Sandy Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Ernest was preceded in death by Fred Lee Clayton, Helen Hunt Clayton, Lillian Hinton, Fred L. Clayton, Jr., Mary Scudder, Lillian Susan Clayton.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara J. Clayton; son, Edward L. Clayton (Janie); daughters, Glenda C Bales, Marianne Wyatt (Dereck); grandchildren, Eric Clayton (Saskia), Christina Clayton, Clinton Bales (Mercedes), Victoria Wyatt, Morgan Holder (Jacob), Emily Cook, Haley Cook; great grandchildren Emory and Ezra Bales, Mattie Jean Holder.

Ernest Clinton Clayton was born February 12, 1933 to Fred and Helen Clayton. He attended Big Sandy School and graduated from Tuscaloosa County High in 1951. He served in the Army. He married Barbara Jean Johnston on Christmas Day in 1955. He worked for the Alabama Power Company for 38 years and was a true example of the fruits of labor as he began trimming trees and retired as the manager over the three Hydro plants on the Warrior River. In addition to his career with Alabama Power, he had multiple successful business ventures. He was a wonderful and faithful loving husband for seventy years. He was a loving father who always set a godly example for his children and grandchildren. He loved and served God faithfully as deacon and leader at Big Sandy Baptist Church.

Clinton, affectionally referred to by his family and childhood friends, enjoyed playing dominos, fishing, golf, and traveling. His travels included a trip to the Holy Land which was a high point of his many fond memories.

He was mechanically inclined and widely respected for his creative problem-solving abilities. His work ethic was a great example and encouragement to his family. He will be remembered as a wise, good, and charitable man of God.

Pallbearers will be Eric Clayton, Jacob Holder, Clinton Bales, Mark Corley, Keith Davis, and Jimmy Dunn.

Honorary pallbearers are Lynn Wyatt, Laura Luca and Toni Barks.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Lottie Moon/ Annie Armstrong Missions, International Mission Board, and Samaritan’s Purse.