Mr. William Clay Sawyer, age 99, of Fayetteville, TN, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Higgins Funeral Home, with Bro. Tommy Graham and Bro. James Strope officiating. Burial will follow in Campbell Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Higgins Funeral Home.
Clay was born on July 21, 1926, in Lincoln County, TN, to the late Lonnie Clay Sawyer and Sallie Lou Norman Sawyer Stevenson. He worked for many years in furniture sales before proudly owning and operating the Past Time Café from 1985 to 1989. Clay loved old country music and was well known as an avid dog and horse trader. He especially enjoyed tending to his sheep and goats, a hobby he kept up well into his later years.
Above all, Clay cherished his family. He was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather and friend who always had a smile, a story, or a helping hand to share. His love and guidance will be remembered by all who knew him.
He is survived by his children, Doris (Randall) Davis, Lynn Simms (and the late Ronnie Simms), Phillip Sawyer, Annette (Mack) Parks, and Lonnie (Penny) Sawyer; grandchildren, Nicole Davis, Sonya Davis, Darrin (Nan) Simms, Brad Simms, Kim (Troy) Long, Brandy Sullivan (Chris Harwell), Cami (Kevin) Young, Adam (Jill) Parks, Landon (Kari) Sawyer, and Michele (Jay) Edwards; 22 great-grandchildren, Lauren, Malachi, Aaron, Jacob, Jessica, Kirbie, Andrew, Blake, Logan, Katie Rae, Clay, Bethany, Caylee, Josh, Madison, Chloe, Tucker, Maclae, Jaxxon, Josie, Brodie, and Ryan; 8 great-great-grandchildren; and nephews, Buddy (Cindy) English, Jamie (Lisa) English, and Tim (Jessica) English. Clay will also be remembered by his special friend, Mattie Sawyer, and his dear friend like a brother, Doug Barnes.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Sawyer was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Edith Irene Bradford Sawyer; sister, Betty Jo Sawyer (Jimmy) English; grandchildren, Angie Davis and Lee Davis; and great-grandchildren, Michael and River.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. William Clay Sawyer.
5 Comments To "William Clay Sawyer"
#1 Comment By Linda F Williams On October 31, 2025 @ 3:24 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with each family member.
#2 Comment By Brenda Burns On October 31, 2025 @ 3:52 pm
So Very sorry .Clay was a priceless man and will so be missed by us all.Mom will be lost and Heaven has definitely gained another Angel.May God wrap his arms around all of you.
Brenda and Joe Burns and Family.
#3 Comment By Johnny Tucker On October 31, 2025 @ 8:39 pm
Our sympathy to the family.
Johnny has many fond memories of Mr. Clay and family when they.were neighbors on Hill St. Sorry we’ll be unable to attend the service. Johnny will be preaching in Kentucky. We would have loved to visit with the family.
#4 Comment By Debbie Morris On November 1, 2025 @ 12:44 am
So sorry for your loss. Praying for you all. 🙏🏻
#5 Comment By Jimmy and Dana Sartain On November 1, 2025 @ 9:41 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. He was a joy to be around and so loved by his family