Clayton will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his brother Leonard Smith; sister, Anna Marie Harris; wife Clara Marie (Harris) Smith; three daughters, Brenda Tyndall (Larry) of Thomasville, NC, Rhonda Baggett (Dennis) of Trinity, NC and Sondra Beck (Randy) of Trinity, NC; his seven grandchildren, Douglas Tyndall, Nathan Tyndall, Eric Tyndall, Laurinda Clark, Brandon Beck, Katlyn Beck and Jennifer Gee; his nineteen great-grandchildren, Jadon Tyndall, Sydney Pyrtle, Weston Tyndall, Braxton Tyndall, Eleana Tyndall, Ian Clark, Mykaela Clark, Desmond Clark, Natalie Gee, Kelsey Gee, Alyssa Gee, Emily Gee, Declan Gee, Ariana Gee, Macy Weatherford, Beckham Weatherford, Baron Beck, Ryan Beck, and Callia Beck; and one great-great grandchild Brynley Prytle.
Clayton was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Vivian Smith; three brothers, Wrenn Brewer, Roman Smith and Heiskell Smith and one sister, Virginia McGinnis; his youngest daughter Judy Elaine Smith and son-in-law Larry Tyndall.
Clayton was born and raised in Siler City and served in the U.S. Army as a Military Police. After his stint in the Army Clayton moved to High Point, NC in 1948, to marry and begin his wedded life with his sweetheart Clara Marie Harris whom he met when he was five years old and she was only three. They moved for a brief time to Missouri so he could attend and complete an auto mechanic course. Together, they made their home in High Point, where they raised their family and shared 78 years of love, laughter, and devotion to one another.
Clayton was a gentle man who had a servant’s heart and loved the Lord. He attended church faithfully up until recent years when he became physically limited. He was a charter member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church where he served and worshiped for many years. He was well respected and held several positions of leadership, including Deacon, Usher, and various committee positions. For the last 27 years or so Clayton was a member at Oakview Baptist Church, where he made many friends and enjoyed great teaching, preaching, and inspiration in his spiritual journey.
In his early career, Clayton worked at Amos Hosiery Mill, and later started his own landscaping business, constructed some duplex apartments, purchased and managed several investment properties.
Clayton enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling. All of this created a number of exciting stories that he joyfully shared with his family, and many acquaintances that he met along the way.
Clayton was known for his calm demeanor and his warm heart. He delighted in sharing a story, and he treasured time with family and friends. His spirit and joyful presence will be remembered by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 1-2pm prior to the service at Sechrest-Davis Funerals & Cremations of High Point, 976 Phillips Avenue, High Point, NC 27262. A Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Sechrest-Davis with Pastor Bill Watson officiating.
Burial will follow in Floral Garden Park Cemetery, 1730 W English Rd. High Point, NC 27262.
The family is under the care of Sechrest-Davis Funerals & Cremations of High Point. Online condolences may be shared at www.SechrestDavisPhillipsAvenue.com – select obituaries.
