William Clayton Reynolds

William Clayton “Clay” Reynolds passed unexpectedly after a brief but furious illness on Feb. 18, 2023.  Born in 1962, at the US Naval Hospital in Camp Lejeune, he was a lifetime resident of Wilmington where he raised a family, cared for his mother in her later years, and started a successful painting business.  He was renowned among his leagues of friends as a man with a huge heart who always had a kind word and a kind action for others, no matter their circumstances, or his.  He is predeceased by his parents, Cecil Clayton Reynolds and Daphne D. Reynolds, and survived by his son Aaron Reynolds, his brother, Dr. Cecil R. Reynolds, his sister-in-law, Dr. Julia A. Hickman, and his 5 much beloved, and doted upon, grandchildren, Makayla Reynolds, Ryeley Reynolds, Sophia Reynolds, Kinley Helms, and Skylar Helms.  Clay was a much-loved son, brother, father, and grandfather.  Indeed, he spent much of the last 10 years of his life spoiling his grandchildren and loving them as much as possible.  He also had an incredible love of rock music and an impressive knowledge of its history and development, all of which he loved to discuss.  After his love of family, came rock and roll, baseball, bowling, and grilling—come rain or shine.  Traditional funeral services will be held Sunday, February 26 at 2:00 pm at the church of his family, in the main sanctuary, the First Pentecostal Holiness Church, 2901 Chestnut St, Wilmington.  A private interment will occur at a later date.