Hobbs “J. R." Hendrix Clayton Jr.

J.R. was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful servant of God, proud veteran, and cherished friend to many. He lived his life with unwavering faith and a deep love for his family, church, and community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hobbs H. Clayton Sr. and Flora Clayton; his in-laws, Alfred Knight Sr. and Lois Knight; his daughter, Kimberly Clayton; his son, Christopher Clayton; his sister, Nancy Ellison; his brother-in-law, James Ellison; and his brother, Kenneth Clayton.

He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 61 years, Rebecca Clayton; his granddaughter and adoptive daughter, Hannah Forrester; his grandson-in-law, Matt Forrester; his brother, Buddy Clayton; his sister-in-law, Wilma Clayton; and his brother-in-law, Al Knight Jr.

J.R. proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he earned the rank of Sergeant. He was a proud disabled veteran and carried a deep love and respect for his fellow servicemen and women.

For more than 40 years, he worked faithfully as a textile machinist at John D. Hollingsworth on Wheels. He was also a longtime member of New Beginning Ministry of Taylors, where he faithfully served as a deacon and musician. J.R. loved playing guitar and bass and had a lifelong passion for music.

Above all, J.R. loved the Lord. He wore his faith on his sleeve and never missed an opportunity to tell others about the goodness of God. He spent each day reading or listening to his Bible and continually sought to grow deeper in his relationship with Jesus Christ.

In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, gardening, music, and spending time with those he loved most.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. at New Beginning Ministry of Taylors, located at 311 Reid School Road, Taylors, SC 29687. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m., with a graveside service at 3:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

The family rejoices in knowing that J.R. is now whole, healed, and in the presence of his Savior whom he faithfully served throughout his life.