Michael Penn Clayton Jr.

Michael Penn Clayton Jr. (Mike), 86, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2026. He was born on December 28, 1939, in Greensboro, North Carolina, to the late Michael Penn Clayton and Juanita James Clayton.

Mike and his younger brother, Tony, were raised in the Greensboro mill villages under the loving guidance of their maternal grandparents, Pete and Eda James, whom they affectionately referred to as “Grandma” and “Pa.” Mike spent his early years in Greensboro, growing up surrounded by family and lifelong friends. He graduated from Greensboro Senior High School in 1957, beginning a life marked by dedication, resilience, and strong personal values.

Mike started his working life in the textile mills of Greensboro—particularly White Oak, Revolution, and Print Works. If someone happened to mention Proximity, he’d correct it with a grin and say, “I never worked in Proximity,” as if it were important to set the record straight. He was proud of those years and could tell stories about mill life so vividly you’d swear he had just clocked out yesterday.

After his years at the mills, Mike was hired on with Johnson Controls in Greensboro. Through diligence and a dedicated work ethic, he began learning what became his life’s career as an industrial air and mechanical expert. When Johnson Controls moved him to Raleigh in 1965, he continued with them until 1974, at which time he got an opportunity and applied for a position at Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company to run their mechanical shop. That career move changed his life trajectory and helped him achieve his piece of the “American Dream.” He remained a dedicated employee right up to his retirement in 2005.

In 1960, Mike married Deanna Tyner. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love and commitment. Deanna preceded him in death, and he carried her memory with him throughout the years. In 2009, Mike remarried Becky Barbour of Greensboro. They shared 17 wonderful years together.

Mike was known for his steady character, his kindness, and his strong sense of responsibility. His quiet strength and integrity left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Mike is survived by his wife, Becky Barbour Clayton; and his children, Lisa Britton and her husband Jeff, and Ashley Jackson and her husband, David; daughter-in-law Mendy Clayton; step-daughter Debbie Cormier and her husband, Thomas; step-son Chuck Barbour and his wife, Cheryl; grandchildren Chris Cotten and his wife, Molly, Toni Currin, and Sami Britton; and great-grandchildren Austin Currin, Mac Cotten, Lula Cotten, and Charlie Cotten.

In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Deanna Clayton; son, Scott Clayton; and brother, Tony Clayton.

Mike’s legacy lives on in the hearts and memories of his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

A Funeral Service will take place in the Chapel of Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 2:00pm. Mr. Clayton will be interred in Raleigh Memorial Park. The family will receive visitors Tuesday evening, May 19, from 6:00 - 8:00pm in the funeral home. The service will be livestreamed, to join, please use the 'join livestream' link in the services box below.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Building Fund at Raleigh Church of Christ, where Mike attended, or to Transitions LifeCare, for their care and compassion to Mike and his family, by using the links below, under 'Donations'.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Michael, or a message of condolence for his family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.