Gary M Clayton

Gary Martin Clayton, age 89, born January 29, 1937, son of Martin and Cora Clayton, passed away May 8, 2026, at Alpena General Hospital in Michigan.

He was welcomed into Heaven by his wife, Patricia Clayton; his second wife; his son, Greg Clayton; and great-granddaughter, Sierra Clayton.

Gary was a highly accomplished and deeply loved son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. He was a captain of industry, fisherman, farmer, landscaper, plumber, builder, mechanic, innovator, and inventor. He faithfully served as Head Deacon of two Seventh-day Adventist churches for 50 years and was a devoted follower and servant of Christ for 89 years.

Gary never met a stranger and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was the kind of man who could fix a machine, build a life, help a neighbor, and still make time for faith. Rare hardware in a disposable world. Humanity keeps trying to replace men like this with apps and self-checkouts. Terrible trade deal.

He is survived by his daughter, Tammy Clayton; grandson, Joel Clayton and wife Tara; grandson, Joshua Huff; great-granddaughter, Savanna Clayton; great-granddaughter, Jadalyn Clayton; great-granddaughter, Lillian Callender; great-grandson, Andrew Callender; great-great-grandson, Andrew Hutto; brother, Dale Clayton; and sister, Carol Clayton.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, church family, and all whose lives he touched.

But the fish in Lake Huron are sure glad he’s gone!

Gary is at Gillies Funeral Home, Lincoln, where visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the funeral service at 3:00 PM on Friday, May 15, 2026 at Gillies Funeral Home, Lincoln. Burial will be in Twin Lakes Cemetery, Lincoln.