Gary Lee Clayton Jr., known to many as J.R., age 53, long time resident of Oakhurst, OK, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2026, at St John Medical Center in Tulsa.
Celebration of life service will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 10:00 am at Garden Heights Freewill Baptist Church, 3415 Summit Blvd., Sand Springs, OK with Rev. Steven Redfearn officiating. Interment will follow at Green Hill Memorial Garden Cemetery located at E Teel Rd., Sapulpa, OK. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 10:00 am- 8:00 pm at Mark Griffith Memorial Funeral Home- Westwood Chapel located at 4424 S. 33rd W. Ave Tulsa, OK. Family will greet visitors from 6:00-8:00 pm.
Gary was born on December 7th, 1972, in Sapulpa, OK at Bartlett Memorial Hospital. He was the son of Gary Lee Clayton Sr and Lela Mae Clayton (Sanders). He graduated from Daniel Webster High School in 1991. He worked at the American Red Cross then started a career in the Asphalt Industry. He started as a laborer going on to work in many positions, ending in supervisory roles and earning the nickname "Flaco". He most enjoyed his time as Plant Operator, Plant Manager and Superintendent. He met many of his best friends and colleagues working for Apac, Dunham Asphalt, Sherwood/Becco, TJ Campbell, and Central Contractors. Even in dealing with his chronic health issues, he continued working in the profession that he loved.
Gary married Katina Rowell in August 1992. Through that union he welcomed three beautiful children and became the proud Peepaw to six grandbabies. He was a father figure to many people in his life, always wanted to take care of everyone that needed it no matter their background. He was also a very proud Dog Dad to Milo and Fiona.
Some of his favorite things included collecting cars and guns, going trout fishing, and trips to Branson, MO. He loved going shopping for new Hey Dudes, listening to Blue Grass music, playing the Guitar, and beating his family at board games. He loved his church family at Welcome Home Freewill Baptist, where he was instrumental in leading his mom and dad to Christ as a teenager. They were later baptized together as a family and remained active members of the church.
Gary was survived by his mother, Lela Clayton of Oakhurst, OK. Mother of his children, Katina Rowell of Cleveland, OK, Daughter, Kaitlynn Marie Barnes and Cole Barnes of Sapulpa, OK, Son, Bobby Garrett Clayton of Oakhurst, OK, and Daughter, Iva Mae Louise Clayton of Oakhurst, OK. Grandchildren, Kinzlee Delana LeeAnn Barnes, Bailey Ann Thornton, Knox Christopher Ty Thornton, Kamden Cole Barnes, Stuart Collin Snyder III, and Bobby Garrett Clayton Jr. Survivors also included numerous extended family, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Gary was proceeded in death by his father, Gary Lee Clayton Sr., his grandparents, Sular and Flossie Clayton, John and Addie Sanders, his uncles, Robert Lee Sanders, Meckie T Clayton, John Allen Clayton, and his aunts LaDessa Garrison, Bettie McNatt, and Mary Ruth Pruitt.
Gary's favorite scriptures were Proverbs 3:6 and Psalm 121:1-2.