IN MEMORIAM
In Memoriam
Joe and Jim Clayton, brothers and business partners. Photos courtesy of Clayton.
Clayton Homes, Auto Co-Founder Joe Clayton Laid to Rest
M
r. Joe Clayton, 84 of Knoxville, Tenn., co-founder of a business empire in auto and home sales, passed away Monday, Aug. 3, 2020, in a tragic helicopter crash that shook the Knoxville community and the manufactured housing industry. Brother and Clayton Co-founder Jim Clayton, grandson Flynt Griffin and family friend Jay McBride survived the crash. Mr. Clayton was president of Clayton Automotive, Clayton Volvo, and was the co-founder of Mercedes Benz of Columbus in Georgia. He also was the co-founder of Clayton Homes and Vanderbilt Mortgage with his brother. He a lways enjoyed putting a dea l together whether it was with a customer, a partner or even with his kids. But of all his business partners and ventures none were greater than the ones he and his brother and best friend shared together. These partnerships spanned a 63-year history of success operating side by side.
Mr. Clayton was a loving husband, father, grandfather and son. He is preceded in death by his wife Dot Clayton and his father and mother Cratus and Ruth Clayton. Mr. Clayton is survived by sons Richard Joseph Clayton and wife Victoria, Mark Eads Clayton and wife Ashley, daughter Deborah JoAnne Justus and husband Randy, grandchildren Jessica Clayton, Christina Clayton Sullivan and husband Josh, and Britney Justus. He also is survived by his brother
6 | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020 EDITION • MHINSIDER.COM
