Clayton Homes, Auto Co-Founder Joe Clayton Laid to Rest

In Memoriam

Joe and Jim Clayton, brothers and business partners. Photos courtesy of Clayton.

Clayton Homes, Auto Co-Founder Joe Clayton Laid to Rest

Mr. 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 always enjoyed putting a deal 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

James L. Clayton and wife Michell, as well as nieces, nephews, and many other family.

Born and raised in Finger, Tenn., on a farm of sharecroppers, Mr. Clayton realized he wanted a different life for himself. He left the farm in his late teens and attended Draughon’s Business College in Nashville where he graduated with a business degree, and later attended Middle Tennessee State University and University of Tennessee at Knoxville. While working his way through college, Mr. Clayton worked for a local television and radio station. A young listener named Dorothy called in one evening requesting a song. The host thought she had the sweetest voice and lucky for him she called back the next night. It was not long after that Dorothy became Joe Clayton’s lifelong sweetheart and wife of 53 years.

With Dorothy by his side, Mr. Clayton ventured into his career alongside his brother. He was instrumental in helping with the creation of the many Clayton organizations in the auto and home retail business, home construction, and financing.

In addition, Mr. Clayton was the president of the Lincoln-Mercury Dealer Council and Volvo Dealer Council. He was president and chairman of the Tennessee Automotive Association, and served on the boards of Clayton Homes, Clayton Bank, First Horizon Bank, and the YMCA.

Mr. Clayton like his brother was a pilot and avid flyer, often captaining family to their favorite vacation and getaway spots. Though he owned a variety of aircraft during the years, Mr. Clayton most favored his KingAir, which he sold shortly prior to passing. When he wasn’t flying, Mr. Clayton could be found playing golf, especially with his granddaughters and closest friends. His closest friendships were developed through many rounds of golf, often at Hilton Head Island, S.C. While there Mr. Clayton enjoyed waking early for a long walk on the beach, using his camera to capture photos of the sunrise, and then again in the afternoon for the sunsets.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Mr. Joe Clayton asks that donations may be made to The First Tee of Greater Knoxville and the Boys and Girls Club of Knoxville. Friends may leave thoughts and memories at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com. MHV