Edgar "Ernie" Clayton, Jr.

Edgar “Ernie” Clayton, Jr

Edgar Ernest Clayton, Jr., known to everyone as “Ernie,” was born on January 7, 1968, in Savannah, Tennessee, to Billie Clayton and the late Buddy Clayton. On November 27, 1987, he married his high school sweetheart, Cindy Crow Clayton, who survives. Ernie departed this life on July 23, 2026, at the age of 58.

A proud military veteran, Ernie faithfully served his country in the United States Army from 1991 to 1995 during Operation Desert Storm. He spent most of his active-duty service stationed at Fort Shafter Army Base in Honolulu, Hawaii. He continued his military service in the Army National Guard from 1995 to 2001, completing a total of ten years of dedicated service to his country.

Following his military service, Ernie began his 25-year career with AT&T. He initially worked as a facility technician troubleshooting and installing telephone service throughout southwest Tennessee and northeast Alabama before advancing to serve as network manager, overseeing operations in the Memphis region. After retiring, Ernie embraced a slower pace of life, staying busy with hobbies and odd jobs. He especially enjoyed spending time tinkering with his motorcycle and Jeep, always finding satisfaction in fixing, building, or improving something.

Above all else, Ernie loved his family. His children were his greatest joy and his favorite topic of conversation, and he never missed an opportunity to tell others how proud he was of them. He loved teasing his nieces and nephews, and his quick wit and sense of humor made him the life of every family gathering.

Ernie was a devoted member of Hopewell Baptist Church in Savannah, Tennessee, where he faithfully served as a deacon and was an integral member of the church’s technology team. He loved the Lord deeply, and his life was a testament to his faith and his servant’s heart.

Ernie is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Cindy Clayton; his daughter, Taylor Clayton; his son, Trey Clayton (Baylee); his mother, Billie Clayton; his brother, Phillip Clayton (Debbie); his sister-in-law, Charla Townley (Tim); and his cherished nieces and nephews: Harper Hunt, Sadie Hunt, Chase Townley (Jessica), Claire Townley, Cooper Townley, Sarah Sykes (Chris), and Bryan Clayton.

In addition to his father, Buddy Clayton, Ernie was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Charles and Bettye Crow.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hopewell Baptist Church https://www.hopewellsavannah.com/give