He was born on March 31, 1943, to the late Melvin Carson Claytor and Anna Buchanan Claytor.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Anne Claytor Conklin; and sister-in-laws Sandra Welch Claytor and Sandra Higgins Claytor.

Bill was a member of Ebenezer A.R. Presbyterian Church. He served in the Air Force at Homestead Airforce Base during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the assassination of President Kennedy, guarding dignitary aircraft. He retired from Blue Bird Bus Corporation and Washington and Lee University.

He is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Brenda Nicely Claytor, of Lexington; daughters, Cynthia Claytor Robey (David) of McCall, Idaho, and Deborah Claytor Laux of Waynesboro; grandchildren, Katie Robey Ernest (Adam) of Golden, Colo., Rachel Laux of Seattle, Wash., and Joseph Laux of Raleigh, N.C.; and siblings, Michael Claytor of Buena Vista, Robert Claytor (Frances) of Lexington and Kingsport, Tenn., and Rita Claytor Royce of Chester, Pa.

A service will be private at a later date.

Contributions may be given to Lexington Fire Department, 708 S. Main St., Lexington, VA 24450, or Intrepid Hospice, 106 Rowe Road, Suite 103, Staunton, VA 24401.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory. N-G