George Truman Clayton

George Truman Clayton of Wilson, NC, passed away peacefully at Wilson Healthcare and Rehab facility on April 27, 2026. Born January 20, 1943, in Fairmont, West Virginia, he was the only child of L. Truman and Margaret Eddy Clayton.

George was quiet, strong, and dependable—a constant source of support for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was the rock of the family, always there with wise advice, a listening ear, or help with whatever needed doing.

Known as Butch to friends and family growing up, George was a lifelong athlete. He played football, basketball and baseball at Fairview High School in West Virginia, where he graduated as Valedictorian in 1961. He was a standout high school quarterback and got football scholarships to the University of Maryland and West Virginia University, where he played for a year respectively before transferring to Fairmont State University where he was 1st team All-WVIAC quarterback for two seasons with a 16-2 record as well as NAIA All-American for the Falcons in 1965 as Defensive Back. While at FSU, he was a Tau Kappa Epsilon member, dated fellow student Tensil, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science.

Post college, George’s football career continued. He was drafted by the LA Rams but signed as a free agent with the Houston Oilers. He was later inducted into the Fairmont State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002 for his performance in football and later named Letterman of Distinction in 2010. After moving to North Carolina, he became an avid NC State football fan attending games and watching them on TV.

He had a long career in Human Resource Management within the glass manufacturing industry. He began his career with Owens-Illinois, working in Alton, Illinois; Lakeland, Florida; and Brockport, New York, from 1966 to 1980. He later joined Kerr Glass in Wilson, North Carolina, where he worked from 1980 until his retirement at age 55 in 1998, during which time the company underwent several ownership changes. He furthered his education by taking graduate classes in Human Resource Management at Cornell University in NY in the late 1970’s and also completed an M.A. in HR Management from Central Michigan University in 1983.

Following his retirement, he continued to share his knowledge and experience as a Lead Instructor in Human Resource Management at Central Carolina Community College in Sanford where he helped start the program. He taught both in-person and online classes from 2000 until his second retirement in 2015 at the age of 72.

George was also engaged in his community. After moving to Wilson in 1980, he and Tensil joined First Baptist Church, where they quickly became active and devoted members. George also contributed his time and energy to several local organizations, including the Rotary Club, Meals on Wheels, United Way, and the Wilson Business/Education Partnership. After his football career, George continued to embrace an active lifestyle. He played tennis and fell in love with running at the age of 29. He could often be seen jogging around Wilson several times a week well into his early 70s. He was an avid reader, often reading mysteries and daily newspapers. Lastly, George and Tensil were devoted dog lovers, particularly English spring spaniels.

The family is deeply grateful for the 3+ years of compassionate care Dad received at Wilson Healthcare and Rehab facility, as well as the support and helpful guidance provided by Gentiva Hospice during his final year. Special thanks to Dr. Rhonda Stahl of Raleigh who treated his dementia. Tensil and Josephine were devoted caregivers to George during his time in care away from home.

George’s quiet steady presence and unwavering love and support for his family and his community will be deeply missed. He was preceded in death last year by his beloved wife of 60 years, Tensil Clayton. He is survived by his daughters, Nancy Clayton (Casey Champion) of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Josephine Clayton of Wilson, North Carolina; his son, Brian Clayton of Wilson North Carolina, and his cherished grandchildren, Cameron Champion (Ana Wagstaff) of Birmingham, Alabama, and Katherine Champion of Raleigh, North Carolina.

The family will gather privately to honor George’s memory at First Baptist Church, 311 Nash Street NW, Wilson, North Carolina. Rev. Chris Thomas, D. Min. presiding.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in George’s name to First Baptist Church, 311 Nash Street NW, Wilson North Carolina 27893 or the Foundation of Hope in Raleigh North Carolina at walkforhope.com which funds mental health research.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory in Wilson North Carolina at www.joyners.net.