William J. Clayton

Our beloved Bill Clayton of Manchester Township, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 4th, 2020. He was 63 years old.

The eldest of Dorothea “Dottie” McCray’s children, he grew up in Monmouth County.

Bill is preceded in death by his mother Dottie and his wife, Janet S. Clayton.

Affectionately known as “Grumpy” after becoming a grandfather in 1999, he is survived by his daughter Janet Johnson and husband Matthew, two granddaughters Vienna and Layla. Bill is also survived by three brothers and a sister, and their families; John Mercogliano, his wife Martha and daughter Ana; Charlie Rappleyea, his wife Ulla and their children Alex and Robert; Larry Coyle, his wife Sue and their children Emily and James Henry; Mary Coyle and her daughters Jessica and Jackie.

Bill proudly served our country as a Sergeant in the United States Army for eight years, working as a machinist and water purification specialist, with tours of Germany and Korea where he developed a love of Kimchi. Bill could fix or build anything; after discharge, he followed his passion working with his hands building windows and doors for Seal-O-Matic for 25 years. Bill met Jan, the love of his life, on a blind date. They quickly were smitten with each other, building on to their love story. They married December 31st, 1996 and made Toms River their home, where their love flourished for many years until Jan’s passing.

A talented woodworker, he loved Marvin The Martian, collecting baseball cards, and classic rock; he was proud of his vinyl collection. He was everyone’s buddy; the one you could run to for help and who would take care of others before self. His loving heart, quick wit, and gentle soul will be missed by all that knew him.

All services will be held privately.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William J. Clayton, please visit our floral store.