Calvin Arthur Clayton

Calvin Arthur Clayton, 78, departed to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, July 20, 2026. Visitation with family will be held on Monday, July 27th, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Athens Drive Baptist Church, 1601 Athens Dr. Raleigh, 1 hour prior to the funeral service at 11:00 AM with Rev. Tim Howell officiating. Burial will follow at Historic Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Oakwood Ave, Raleigh.

Calvin was born August 28, 1947, in Raleigh, to the late Connie Calvin Clayton and wife Odell Harvell Clayton. He lived his early years in Smithfield and graduated from Smithfield High School in 1965. He joined the US Navy after high school and served as Radioman, 3rd Class, aboard the USS Arlington in Vietnam. He married Gail Meshaw Clayton in 1971. In 1973 he earned an Industrial Education degree from East Carolina University. Subsequently, he was employed with G. Milton Small, Architect, in Raleigh. In 1978 he was employed by United Parcel Service. When he achieved 25 years of safe driving, he received a mark of distinction by his induction into their Circle of Honor. He remained with UPS until his retirement after 30 years.

Calvin was a devoted son, a loving and caring husband and father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was an active member of Athens Drive Baptist Church, where he served as a former Deacon, adult Sunday school teacher, and on various committees. He loved nature and outdoor activities, including camping, bird watching, and gardening. Mechanical abilities came natural to him. He especially enjoyed muscle cars, NASCAR racing, and woodworking.

Surviving are his wife Gail Clayton; daughter, Amy C. Hester of Willow Springs; son, Matthew A. Clayton of Wilmington; surrogate son, David L. Sanders; two granddaughters, Savannah Hester and Ami'Lyn Clayton; brother, Stephen N. Clayton (Charlotte) of Red Oak; sister, Sandra E. Bradley of Savannah, GA; and sister, Cathy C. Nissan (Amnon) of Raleigh. He is also survived by beloved nieces and a nephew.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Athens Drive Baptist Church, 1601 Athens Dr. Raleigh, NC 27606, or Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, 717 S. Marshall St. Suite 105B, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.