September 28, 2024, 73, Goldsboro —

Robert Edward Clayton, 73, of Goldsboro departed this earthly life Saturday, September 28, 2024, at his home.

A service to celebrate his life will be held Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 6 p.m. in the chapel of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro with military honors. The family will greet friends following the service.

Mr. Clayton was born in Wayne County on January 11, 1951, to the late Robert D. and Mattie Allene Jones Clayton. He was a member of Elks Lodge and the American Legion. Mr. Clayton was a proud Veteran and retired from Army/Army National Guard having served during the Vietnam War and Dessert Storm. During his service to our country, he received numerous decorations and medals including National Defense Service Medal (2), Vietnam Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (5), Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (2), Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon and many, many other Medals, Badges and Ribbons.

He is survived by his children, John Robert Clayton (Angela) of Goldsboro and Michelle Clayton of Goldsboro; one sister, Janice Lindsey (Earl) of Plymouth, North Carolina; his grandchildren, Brandon Davenport (Caitlyn), Ashlee Goodrich (Collin), Beth Strickland (Ryan), Reagan Scheu ( Clay), Christian Scheu (Sierra), Katie Clayton, and Jonathan Clayton (Haley); and his great-grandchildren, Lilly Grice, Cora Burdick, Jaxon Goodrich, Ella Goodrich, Spencer Strickland, Harley Scheu, Laken Summerlin, Oakley Summerlin, Donovan Scheu, Orion Scheu, Ivan Scheu, Brittany Goff and special bonus great-grandchild, Amelia Castro.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Deborah “Debby” Lynn Clayton, and his grandson, Davidson Bailey Scheu.

Services entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.