Gregory Clayton

Gregory Clayton

Family and friends:

Greg was born on August 3, 1968 in Wheeler, Texas. He is the middle child of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Clayton of Hamilton, Alabama. He is a 1986 graduate of Georgia Christian High School. He is survived by his parents, mentioned above, his wife, Cynthia, three children: Sammy, Grant and Madelyn and a grandson Silas; and two brothers: Myself (Jeff) and Kyle. He was a devout father, husband, son, brother and friend. By trade Greg fabricated steel. I would visit him at his work from time to time, always fascinated with his abilities. Greg would cut a random shape out of a piece of steel, then give to me as a way to remember each visit. These small gifts are now treasures to be cherished for years to come.

The full measure of a person must be derived from the totality of their life. Greg lived a beautiful life. A life made so by his character. When thinking of Greg, we can be reminded of his clear and consistent honesty. He was one of the most forthright persons I have known. As well as this, Greg possessed a boundless charity, an affable kindness and a sincere love of others which guided his life. He would literally, and without reservation, give a complete stranger, the last dime in his pocket. Cyndi, as well as many of us, witnessed his generosity often. One time they were visiting downtown Birmingham, Greg found himself talking with a homeless person for several minutes. After hugs and tears, Greg reached into his pocket and handed the man all his cash. Greg told the man to go get a hotel so he could get off the street and out of the cold for at least a couple of nights. This is the Greg we shall remember.

There was nothing he loved more than his family and friends. As our brother Kyle recently wrote, Greg knew no strangers -only friends. To know him was to love him in so many ways. He was our friend, our brother, we shall mourn his passing, but delight in the beauty of life he gave to others. “Hold da white one webel, my friend. Hold da white one webel.” If you do not know that story, just ask me sometime. I will share the story and as with any “Greg story”, you will have a chuckle.

With this said, a good way to honor and remember our Greg’s life is to ask you: his friends and family, to offer their thoughts, feelings and remembrances of him here. Please share whatever you find in your heart. We hope you will join us next summer, date to be announced later, for a celebration of life, to honor our Greg. RIP Gregory Allen Clayton

Much love to all,

Jeff

26 thoughts on “Gregory Clayton

  1. Greg was family to us . He was always present for my children and for me . He always had a smile and big Greg hug!! I will always just remember his kindness and love .. his sense of humor and big heart. Rest easy my precious friend . I live and miss you

  2. This is jerry a friend and EX co worker of Greg whom i shell miss Dearly.Me and my wife Nosayamwen will really miss him .

  3. Greg came into our lives when Grant and our son Christian played 6 year old baseball in Trussville. We became fast friends with him and Cyndi and our boys became best friends on and off the field. Many weekends were spent with them. Greg was very inviting and gracious. He was a hospitable friend. Playing games, karaoke, just hanging out or just watching the boys play. When they moved from Trussville to Alabaster it left a hole in us. We remember visiting them in their home and Greg as always was being the best host and always welcomed us to come back again soon. I wish we would have taken him up on all his offers to come back and visit. A busy life with kids and distance kept us away, but our friendship with Greg and Cyndi continued throughout the years. Greg was a great musician. We did get a chance to see him play his drums with his band and you could see the glee in his eyes. He was all smiles on stage.

    We talked to Greg about 3 months ago. Throughout our 2 hour conversation he kept telling us he was so thankful we called to check on him, and he loved us. Never did we thank it would be the last time we talked to him. I hope when we hung up he knew in his heart we cared about him and we loved him. Regardless of the time we went without talking to Greg he made us feel like we were his best friends. He made us feel important to him. Greg will always be remembered by us as a positive and loving friend. Love you Greg. RIP friend!

  4. I wish I could have been closer to Greg at a younger age. We missed lots of Good times not being around each other. Hope to see you again someday and start over!!

  5. I met Greg in high school. I spent a lot of time with the family for months while we practiced for a talent show.
    I suffer from horrible stage fright. And Greg was always supportive and let me know that he had my back, literally since he was playing drums right behind me?
    It’s been many many years since I’ve seen him but I remember him as being a kind and caring person.
    Rest In Peace old friend.
    Kim (Todsen) Lepak

  6. From an old, OLD friend from long ago: Did not have enough time with you and your family but what there was was always meaningful and fun!
    I especially happily remember the pleasure we had in hosting your sweet wedding to Cyndi in our home on Littlebrook.
    We all went our separate ways but always kept up with the family in general. My Bill even had the marvelous opportunity to visit the Claytons in India.

    In the meantime, rest in peace and we will all be reunited some day in the hereafter! God bless!
    Anne Oliver Campbell Schertz, Texas

  7. From the day I met Greg I knew that there was something special about him. We’ve became close friends right away. Greg gave his all to what ever he liked doing and his heart to all he met. He was one of my dearest friend and I will remember his smile, friendship, love of music, Nature, his children and the Creator!!! Best drummer I have ever known! Rest in peace my dear friend, rest in peace!!! Love you always.

  8. I only met Greg after moving from North Carolina back to Birmingham nearly 2 years ago. What stood out Was he was one of those people that despite that short period of time I felt like I’d known him for many years. He always loved to talk about his love for his family. He always loved to tell stories of times that he shared with all of y’all. I instantly learned what a loving and giving person he was. May the Lord help y’all through this extremely difficult time. My family is Greek and as us Greeks say when one passes, “May his memory be eternal. Rest in peace brother

  9. There are so many special memories of Greg but one of my favorites was his contagious smile and his love and big heart! He always made you feel special. At Faulkner, all the girls swooned over him and thought he was super handsome! They would ask me how did you get to be such good friends with him? My answer was simple. I just talked to him and to me he was handsome on the outside but I was more impressed with his inward spirit. They girls were often shy or timid around him but he and I just clicked from day one! I could always be real with Greg and we could talk about anything! I saw Greg at church just before the pandemic hit this year and he cried as we talked about life. Greg always greeted me with a kiss on the cheek and the biggest hug ever! We hugged, cried and talked for a long time that day. I never knew that would be the last time I would see him on this side of heaven. I am praying for his wonderful family. I will miss my friend and I look forward to that kiss on my cheek in heaven one day. My precious Nanny talked to Greg that day and she told him he was a treasured friend to me! I surely hope Greg and Nanny are waiting for me! Love you always my precious friend! The song Go rest high on the mountain comes to mind as I think of Greg. I pray you are smiling down and I pray we will have a wonderful reunion one day! Thanks for always being a good friend to me and for being real! You are loved and missed! Gina Gallagher Allison

  10. Greg was such a dear friend and leave such a fond amount of memories in my life and in my heart from the day we met we were fast Friends Greg love baseball he always had a smile and a grin for everybody.he and Jeff were literally the first guys to ever play rock music in the gym at Georgia Christian. they were tinterra. Their parents fully supported their band that night as I look at the stars tonight I will think of Greg so fondly and so many ways may God rest your soul my friend.

  11. Greg was one of my very best friends. We met in Valdosta when his dad was the preacher at our church. I always looked up to him because he was so outgoing and charismatic which was the exact opposite of my personality but reflected how I wish I could be.

    Greg lived with us his senior year in high school so he could finish high school at Georgia Christian School when his family moved. I remember him working at Quincy’s Steak House and bringing home steaks after work that we would cook on the grill outside after midnight while my parents were asleep.

    We ended up together for a period at Faulkner University after high school before I transferred to David Lipscomb.

    Once we became adults and had our own families we lost touch a couple of times for a period of several years but we always seemed to reconnect and it was as if we just saw each other yesterday.

    We were always there for one another anytime one of us was having a rough period in our lives as well as happy occasions such as my wedding where he served as a groomsman.

    I’m so thankful that he visited this year during a difficult period and we had many very deep and meaningful conversations. I’m glad I shared with him what a special friend he was to me.

    I miss him but am so thankful I had a chance to have a relationship with such a special friend. I know a lot of other people had special relationships with him as well and everyone is better off because of it.

    The family is in my prayers and I look forward to attending the celebration of life next summer.

    Rest in peace brother.

    1. The 2 of you were truly brothers and it was my honor to have both of you in my corner! I know you are hurting too but just know he loved you so much! I look forward to celebrating his life sitting next to you my friend!

  12. Just like Jeff said, there are so many “Greg stories”. Many of those stories revolve around injuries & baseball. Greg was often – easily – the center of attention, even though he never seemed to seek it. He was so friendly, people just tended to migrate to him.

    As I’ve said before, if he met you on the street, he’d have a huge hug for you. If he knew you well, he’d plant a big kiss on your cheek. If he loved you…regardless who you are…you’d be lucky if you got away without him kissing you square on the mouth. In public. With a huge smile on his face. That was Greg.

    He’d give you his last dime & all the clothes off his back if you needed them.

    I know my relationship with Greg wasn’t always as great as it could have been, but brothers often have their issues growing up. As adults, we got along much better. Sadly, my time in India kept me out of Greg’s life way too much. I still love him & the memories I have of him.

  13. Greg was my sisters brother in law. So he was family. Being a Clayton he gave the best hugs and a kiss on the cheek. I had a special relationship with Greg. He would call me on really bad days and I could call him on really bad days. We would talk for hours until the sad one felt better. Greg loved so big. RIP my friend. My condolences and love to his family.

  14. We remember Greg with much love and fondness. His passing has come as a shock to us. For us memories of this young handsome boy in India where we spent many happy times fellowshipping, lovely meals together has always been carried on our hearts. He was a prolific drummer and guitarist and we enjoyed all the noise and music played by these boys. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his wife and children and the Clayton family and relatives.

  15. Greg was my best friend. He was always, always there for me. And my family. Being there for me could be challenging at times but Greg never wavered. When I was at a loss he was my rock. We were truly each other’s bridge over troubled water. And we shared so many good times, fun times full of pure joy and laughter. His vibrant personality would fill the room. I am so lucky and blessed to have had such a friend.

    Rest in peace my dear, sweet friend. I’m heartbroken you’ll never walk through my door again.

    Gigi

    For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

  16. It’s been many years since we saw Greg but he and his brothers, mom and dad have always been very special to our family. We love you Ron, Karen, Jeff and Kyle and families. I wish I could take away your pain but pray that God will comfort you all and bring you peace. RIP sweet Greg. We will all meet again someday.

  17. Greg found a place in our hearts from the first time we met. He was a very special person with a very big heart to love everyone. He made a huge impact on our boys when he used to babysit them. His passing has had a big impact on our whole family. We were able to talk a lot a few months ago and I’m glad for those conversations. I believe he got his big heart from his mom, who has been my best friend for 40 years. It’s hard to express what I’m feeling with such a broken heart. He’s in peace now with no more earthly concerns. Love you Greg, RIP.

  18. Sending love and prayers to you Jeff and the entire Clayton family. I met Greg at Roebuck Parkway Church of Christ. He had a contagious smile. He loved his family. I saw him not too long ago when he visited Heritage Place Church of Christ. I’m so glad I got to give him a hug. May God provide peace and comfort to Cynthia, the children, friends and the Clayton family. God bless, we love y’all.

  19. Greg was an amazing man. He helped me so much when we worked together at steel express he treated me like I was his own and always was there to talk to when ever I needed someone and among other things he also talked me into the first date with a woman I really liked (now my beautiful wife) at his house for a shrimp broil (where the shrimp never showed up lol) he was a great friend and a great man we will love and miss our greggers very much rip my friend we love you and can’t wait to see you again. C u later ole Greg

  20. Greg was a friend to so many. He was funny n loved to play the drums and baseball for GCS. Rest In Peace Greg Clayton. Until we see you again. Prayers for his family n all his many friends

  21. We love the Clayton Family! I knew Greg back in our teenage years when they lived in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was always fun to be around with a warm, outgoing personality. He always had a smile on his face and was free to give great big hugs. We lost touch after they moved away but occasionally got glimpses of the family through his parents, Ron and Karen. God bless all of his family in their grief and loss of this special person. Rest In Peace, Greg, until we all meet again! Love to all the Clayton family. ♥️??
    – Kacia (Fulford) Parker

  22. We are stunned at the loss of this light to the world. We treasure our moments with Greg and will always hold those dear. Our deepest sympathies to the family, his beloved children, and his friends.

  23. I keep trying to do this because I want everyone to know what Greg meant to me. We were always close then went years without speaking only to pick up immediately like we hadn’t missed a day being together…. I pray he knows and knew how much I adored him because he made sure without question, how much he loved me. Greg loved like no one I’ve ever known…. It was intense and over the top and when my youngest daughter Kayla met him for the first time, she felt it too. I truly hope I always made him feel that way too…..
    Greg fit in with everyone and anywhere and if anyone needed something, he would go out of his way to help them…..
    He was so beautiful, so talented, so crazy,so kind and so incredibly loving.
    One quick story to share.
    Greg was really pushing me to get another horse a few years back and he said that the next one I got would be his and he wanted its name to be Sweet Lou… I said fine whatever !! You should have seen the look on his face when I sent him the pics of his very own Sweet Lou ! LOL. Sweet Lou was a 29 inch 2 1/2 year old miniature girl pony formerly known as Willow… Greg said ” What in the heck is that”? “A goat”? LOL
    From that moment on until right before Greg left us,
    even though he didnt get the horse he had invisioned, whenever we spoke, which was often, he never failed to ask how his goat was doing and if she had turned into a boy horse that he could ride yet….
    “No Greg”, “she has not, but she will always be yours for as long as she is mine”…..
    I love you most……..
    I always will………

  24. Neci – I have no idea how this Charter Funeral Home page came to be open on my computer. I don’t recall having seen it before, but, I might have written on it last week and wouldn’t remember it today. However, I absolutely love what you have written about Greg. He loved you dearly and, I am sure that you know that it wasn’t too long before his passing away that he wanted so badly to go to see you. You two had that special cousin relationship that everyone should have with a cousin. Close – so close. Love you and thank you for sharing this.

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