Stephen Patrick Clayton

Stephen Patrick Clayton December 2, 1984 – January 11, 2010 A musical soul with a compassionate smile, Stephen Clayton was loved deeply by his friends, family and coworkers. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was running on Town Lake, going to music concerts with friends, or taking in the natural beauty and downtown scenes of Austin, Texas and Athens, Georgia. Stephen loved to be with friends, enjoying their company most of all during Georgia football games. As a graduate of UGA, he remained a devoted Bulldogs fan. As an alumnus of the college fraternity Theta Chi, he remained a loyal brother. Perhaps the animals Stephen loved appreciated his devotion as well as his family and friends. His cats, Jaguar, Tex and Millie thrived on his kindness and gentle touch, as they received the royal treatment that few animals know. Stephen's talents were manifold and precious to all who knew him. He loved playing guitar and writing music, cooking for friends (especially gumbo), reading good literature, and discovering new musical artists. Eclectic in his tastes, he enjoyed the whole range of music genres from the blues to the classical, and movies that varied from Quentin Tarantino to classic musicals to Hitchcock. The common thread through the arts he loved was simply beauty. And Stephen found beauty in music and movies and books that were provocative and artful. He thought and felt deeply, a trait enhanced by a quick wit that drew everyone to him. As an older brother, Stephen was ever thoughtful and fun to be around, and his brother Matthew and his sister Elizabeth looked up to him for his creativity and compassion. As a first-born child, he was treasured by his parents Mark and Pat for his sensitive, caring ways. All of his loved ones – notably his grandparents, Cullen and Mary Boudreaux and Buck and Betty Clayton – as well as his uncles, aunts, and cousins and his dear Maggie Rice -- knew him for his humor, his kindness, and his adventurous spirit. Stephen will be missed by all the family and friends who have grown accustomed to his helping hand, his bright smile, and his gentle heart. His life was all too brief for those who treasured special moments with him. The music he loved and created will be a source of comfort in the time without him. We love you Stephen, and always will. A memorial service to honor the life of Stephen Clayton will be held Saturday, January 16, at 11 am at First Presbyterian Church in Athens, Georgia. For those who live in Austin, a separate gathering will be organized in the coming weeks.