B. Joe Clayton age 84 of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away on Monday, August 3, 2020. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.So sorry to get the news about Joe. Joe was a businessman and entrepreneur as he had several businesses and ventures in and out of Knoxville. He was one of the kindest, most humble, most generous, class act of a man who made all of those he cared for feel very special. Joe Clayton, a beloved businessman and family man, called his son Rick on Monday morning to catch up on business. He was a wonderful man . My condolence to his family.My family's prayers are with Mr. Clayton and his family. They told first responders they did not require medical attention.The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the accident, and Jim Clayton said he is cooperating fully with the agencies and will not make any statements regarding the accident at this time.“I am very grateful to the emergency personnel who responded so quickly and professionally and to the caring couple on a nearby boat who gave assistance,” Jim Clayton said.Jim and Joe Clayton found Clayton Homes, a manufactured housing company, in 1966. We lived next door to Joe on Laurel Hill and got to know him before he moved. “Joe and I were as close as two brothers can be, and, as only siblings, we have supported each other since growing up together on a farm in West Tennessee and as business partners for decades. Joe Clayton, co-founder of Maryville-based Clayton Homes and Clayton Automobiles, died late Monday when a helicopter crashed in the Tennessee River near downtown Knoxville. Please stay away from the area as emergency crews respond for rescue efforts. With Dorothy by his side, Joe ventured into his career alongside his brother, Jim. B. Joe Clayton age 84 of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away Monday, August 3, 2020.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) – Joe Clayton, the co-founder of Clayton Automobiles and Clayton Homes, was killed in a helicopter crash in Knoxville on Monday, the Clayton family has confirmed. Joe Clayton, a beloved businessman and family man, called his son Rick on Monday morning to catch up on business. During my first Jim Clayton Christmas party I knew very few people. These partnerships spanned an uninterrupted and amazing 63 years side by side. I wasn’t very good at it, but that didn’t stop him from being kind to me. We know Joe is in the incredible comfort loving arms of Jesus. “Joe and I were as close as two brothers can be, and, as only siblings, we have supported each other since growing up together on a farm in West Tennessee and as business partners for decades. Mr. Clayton was a wonderful neighbor and person.
My prayers are with you. He absolutely loved the business, Rick said, and was one course shy of getting his full degree.Joe’s family tried to convince him over the years to go back to school for his final course.
Our deepest sympathy to your family. Please let Jim know we are praying for all......I am Motter's kid from the 159th.....please let him know...he will understand. Jerry an Barbara Behrman Victoria Clayton's Father an Step Mother. May the Lord bring comfort to all your family Mr. Clayton until you meet again! While a student, Clayton started an informal business of fixing and reselling used cars, establishing a used-car business in 1956. Our prayers go out to each of you.Huge loss one of the best human being I've ever met . When he wasn’t flying, you could find Joe playing golf with his family especially his granddaughters and closest friends. But Rick said his father believed it wasn’t worth the time for something that just hangs on the wall — something that would only make a statement and not improve his position.Joe and Jim were faced with challenges in their early business years, including circumstances involving loans that made the brothers file for involuntary bankruptcy, Rick said.“My dad worked so hard to make these businesses successful, and he was so driven to prove people wrong and to make a difference and not ever have to be broken again,” Rick said.Joe was admired and respected by his family, even though he could be tough. “Joe and I were as close as two brothers can be, and, as only siblings, we have supported each other since growing up together on a farm in West Tennessee and as business partners for decades. Please accept Echovita’s sincere condolences. With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Joe Clayton of Knoxville, Tennessee, born in Finger, Tennessee, who passed away on August 3, 2020 at the age of 84. It was not long after that Dorothy became his lifelong sweetheart and wife of 53 years. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Sympathy to the family. Clayton had such a kind soul that will be missed greatly by many! Joe's impact on the lives that worked for him and benefited from his business model which helped thousands of people get autombiles that never would have been able to is just one of many ways his pillar stood strong. He is preceded in death by his wife Dot Clayton and his father and mother Cratus Clayton and Ruth Clayton. With over 2,000 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. FAA records show the aircraft belongs to CFA Holdings, Inc., a company that state records show is registered to the same address as a First Bank branch in downtown Knoxville. Coronavirus updates: University reports 29 cases of COVID in a single weekCofounder of Clayton Homes dies in Tennessee River helicopter crashShow full articles without "Continue Reading" button for {0} hours. Survivors identified as James Clayton, John McBride, Flynt Griffin, according to KPD report. But the family also has been overwhelmed by the “complete and total outpouring of love, prayers, sympathy and heartfelt condolences,” Rick said.“People have been reminding us of things he did for them.”For one, Joe was a teacher who always tried to uplift the people around him.