Thomas Chalmers Clayton Jr.

June 10, 1943 - Feb. 18, 2016

Thomas Chalmers Clayton, Jr., age 72, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2016. Tommy was a native and life-long resident of the Birmingham, AL area, residing in Helena for the past 32 years. He was retired from the U.S. Air National Guard.

Tommy's home church is in Maylene at Community Baptist Church, where he enjoyed singing in the Senior Choir. Family and friends will remember him as always laughing, joking, and singing.

Tommy loved woodworking and collecting walking canes, constructing model airplanes, and getting together with his Breakfast Buddies group every Thursday.

Tommy is survived by his cherished wife of 48 years, Jean Lynch Clayton; three sons, Michael Clayton (Donna), Steven Clayton, and David Clayton (Lacey); six grandchildren, Brooke, Brittany, Emily, Sydney, Abby, and Bailey, to whom he was affectionately known as "Paw Paw"; one sister, Mary Penhale (Ken); five nieces, Teresa, Deana, Angela, Maria, and Alyssa; and four nephews, Tyler, Alex, Chuck, and Phil. Tommy also leaves behind his two dogs, Nemo and Scooter.

The family will greet friends from 12 noon until the 1 p.m. celebration of Tommy's life on Monday, February 22, 2016 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham. Pastor Bo Brown will officiate. Burial, Helena City Cemetery.