Richard "Rick" J. Clayton

Born August 10, 1959, Rick was the son of B. Joe Clayton and Dorothy “Dot” Sharrett Clayton. He grew up in East Tennessee alongside his siblings, attended Farragut High School and East Tennessee State University, and was proud to call Knoxville home. Rick shared an exceptionally close bond with his mother, Dot, whom he lovingly cared for and considered his best friend until her passing.

Rick came from a close-knit family with deep roots in West Tennessee. Some of his fondest childhood memories were made during visits to Finger and Henderson, Tennessee, where he, his siblings, and their cousins rode along on his grandfather's tractor, found a little mischief on the family farm, and enjoyed his Mamaw's famous homemade chocolate pie. These early experiences helped shape his love of family and sense of adventure.

Those family roots also laid the foundation for a remarkable business legacy. Rick's father, Joe, and uncle, James “Jim” Clayton, grew up together in Finger, Tennessee. From humble beginnings, the brothers shared an exceptionally close bond and built a business partnership spanning more than six decades. In 1956, they founded Clayton Motors in Knoxville, establishing one of the area's first Volvo dealerships and beginning an automotive legacy that has continued for 70 years. Their entrepreneurial spirit also helped establish the Clayton family in the manufactured housing industry. Rick, his siblings, and cousins grew up alongside those businesses, learning firsthand the importance of hard work, trustworthiness, and dedication.

Inspired by his father and uncle, Rick developed an early passion for automobiles. He began working at the family's dealerships on Clinton Highway, washing cars and working in the body shop and parts department, which quickly became his favorite. At just 13 years old, he sold his first car, marking the beginning of a lifelong career in an industry he genuinely loved.

Over the years, Rick became an integral part of the family's automotive operations, working with dealerships representing Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, and other manufacturers. He eventually assumed management of the Clayton Volvo dealership, overseeing its move from Clinton Highway to Parkside Drive in West Knoxville. He also took great pride in working alongside his brother, Mark, and niece, Jessica, at the family's Mercedes-Benz dealership in Columbus, Georgia.

Throughout his career, Rick served on the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Automotive Association (TAA) and held other leadership roles within the industry. He was also actively involved with the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and other professional organizations, developing lasting friendships with automobile dealers and industry professionals across the country. Rick received various awards and honors recognizing his leadership, professional accomplishments, and contributions as an automobile dealer, earning the respect of those who knew and worked alongside him.

Despite his accomplishments, Rick never sought attention or recognition. Private by nature, he had a lifelong fascination with anything that had an engine and loved airplanes, cars, motorcycles, boats, and anything with wheels. Naturally curious and eager to understand how things worked, he enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together. Never afraid to get grease on his hands, Rick was often happier spending time with the guys in the shop than sitting behind his desk.

Those who knew Rick best appreciated his larger-than-life personality, quick wit, playful nature, and wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed a good laugh and had a way of turning ordinary moments into stories that became more entertaining each time they were told. His family, particularly his siblings and cousins, shared countless memories and a bond rooted in much more than business.

Rick was a member of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church and made a personal commitment to Christ in 1996. Although declining health prevented him from attending services in recent years, his faith remained steadfast.

Rick also believed in giving back to the community he called home. Throughout his life, he proudly supported numerous charitable and community organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, Boy Scouts, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, and The Pat Summitt Foundation. He and his family were longtime supporters of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra's Annual Clayton Holiday Concert, a cherished Knoxville tradition.

Rick treasured the many friendships he developed throughout his life. An avid boater, he especially loved spending summer days on Tellico Lake with family and friends. He and his family were also longtime supporters of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball program, enjoying games and trips to Final Fours together. Among his fondest memories were the annual crawfish boils at legendary Lady Vols Head Coach Pat Summitt's home, where good company, lasting friendships, and a shared love for the program made each gathering special.

Family held a special place in Rick's heart. He shared a close bond with his wife, Victoria, and together they enjoyed spending time at home, the companionship of their beloved French Bulldogs, Bailey, Brody, and Miss Beaslie, and the comfort of life's everyday moments. Whether enjoying a quiet evening at home or simply spending time together, Rick appreciated the familiar routines and simple pleasures they shared.

Above all, Rick was a proud and devoted father to his only daughter, Christina, who had him wrapped around her little finger from the moment she was born. The two shared an extraordinary bond, from childhood memories of tree swings and golf lessons in the backyard to afternoons spent in his office, where Christina decorated his business cards with colorful highlighters that he proudly handed out. These moments revealed the softer side of a man often known for his tough exterior. Throughout her life, Rick shared his knowledge, offered guidance, and passed along valuable lessons, always taking great pride in the person she became. His love and devotion to his daughter remained one of the most meaningful parts of his life.

Rick was preceded in death by his loving parents, B. Joe Clayton and Dorothy “Dot” Sharrett Clayton; his brother, Mark Eades Clayton; his paternal grandparents, Cratus and Ruth Clayton; and his maternal grandparents, Earl and Ruth Sharrett.

He is survived by his wife, Victoria Clayton; his daughter, Christina Clayton Sullivan (Josh); step-son, Chad Blankenship (Lauren); step-daughter, Berkley Stombaug; grandchildren, Emerson, Reece, Olivia, Aiden and Charlie; his sister, Deborah Justus (Randy); his father-in-law, Jerry Behrman; his nieces, Jessica Clayton (Tania) and Britney; his beloved dogs, Bailey, Brody and Ms. Beazley. Rick also leaves behind many beloved extended family members, dear friends, and colleagues who were like family to him.

Receiving of friends and family will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 12 noon with a funeral service to follow at 2pm. A graveside service will be held at Whispering Waters Pavilion at 3pm inside Berry highland Memorial Cemetery.

For those wishing to honor Rick's memory, memorial contributions may be made to The Pat Summitt Foundation, P.O. Box 31002, Knoxville, TN 37930, or online at https://patsummitt.org.