Read Clayton Jay Carpenter's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Clayton Jay Carpenter

Orland, CA, USA

February 22, 1950 - September 30, 2018

Feb 22, 1950 - Sep 30, 2018

In lieu of flowers

In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Fisher House Foundation.

Learn more & give
Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Share

Photo

Clayton Jay Carpenter, Sr., passed away suddenly from a heart attack on September 30, 2018 at the age of 68. Clay was born February 22, 1950 in Riverside, California. His father, Clayton John, was a Major in the Air Force. The young family moved a lot, and they spent time in the South and Germany before settling in Long Beach, California. Clay graduated David Starr Jordan High School in 1968 and proceeded to join the Air Force. He served in the Philippines and Vietnam during the Vietnam War as a Radar Technician.

Following his military service, Clay returned to Long Beach where he worked in bridge construction as a pile driver among other jobs. He pursued studies in Business Administration at Long Beach City College and CSU, Long Beach.

He married Cheryl Ann Carpenter (Miller) in 1975 and they had two children: Clayton Jay and Allyson Marie. The young family later moved to Orland, California where Clay spent the rest of his life. In Orland, Clay tried his hand at raising cattle and chickens, growing fruit trees, and other amateur farming pursuits. He was also active in the local community for many years. He was a member of the Stoney Creek Oddfellows Lodge #218 and he held several offices including Noble Grand. He sang with the Glenn Chorale and traveled with the group to the United Kingdom and Washington, D.C. There, he had the honor of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Clay was an avid fan of music and he sang his whole life. His unique bass voice was especially selected by the director of the Choraliers, a premier vocal group at David Starr Jordan High School which sang at special venues and placed at many of their competitions. In his later years, he was a member of the Glenn Chorale. His musical tastes ran the gamut from a to z.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Clayton John and Helen Grace Carpenter (Collier). He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Cheryl; son Clayton Jay; daughter Allyson; sisters Linda D Marker and Leona M Carpenter; and nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Clay's life will be held November 17 at the Federated Church in Orland with a brief ceremony to follow at Orland Oddfellows Cemetery to acknowledge his military service.

Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.

In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Fisher House Foundation.

Learn more & give