William J. "W.J." Clayton, 79, of Bay City, passed away Friday, January 18, 2008 in Houston, TX. He was born September 14, 1928 in Mount Vernon, TX to John Jepsey Clayton and Effie Mae Henry Clayton. He retired from Central Power and Light Co. as a warehouse foreman, a US Army veteran of the Korean era, a member of the Calvary Baptist Church, and a member of the Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by his wife: Juanell Middleton Clayton of Bay City; by his daughter: Kathy Clayton Massey & husband Randy of Deer Park; by his sons: Dennis L. Clayton of Bay City and Chris W. Clayton of Huntsville; by sisters: Dorothy Wymack and Joy Murphree of Bay City; and brothers: A. G. Clayton of Cypress, James Clayton of Bay City and Oscar Clayton of Kilgore. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Coy Clayton, Johnny L. Clayton and Samantha Clayton; and his great-grandchildren: Justin Clayton, Cameron Clayton, and Lea Alvarez. He was preceded in death by his parents: John J. and Effie Clayton; and by two sisters: Ruth Martin and Etter Mae Clayton.

The family will receive visitors from 6 PM to 8 PM Monday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Chester Sassman officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be: Coy Clayton, Johnny Clayton, Steve Clayton, Gary Murphree, Bruce Middleton, and Gary Middleton.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.taylorbros.net

Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX (979) 245-4613.