Officer Rank: Deputy Sheriff
Memorial Panel: 40-W -34
Department: Polk County, Tennessee, S.O.
End of Watch: 05/02/1946
Cause: Gunfire
Age: 31
Length of Service: 12 years
Deputy Sheriff Clayton was shot as he and another deputy attempted to arrest a suspect on a warrant on a charge of public drunkenness and disturbing the peace. Deputy Clayton was shot in the chest as he entered the residence and died at the scene. The deputy suffered a slight wound. The suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
