Chief Deputy (Ret.) Patrick “Pat” Clayton

Evans, GA – Chief Deputy (Ret.) Patrick “Pat” Clayton, 66, beloved husband of Kimberly Clayton, entered into rest on April 19, 2026.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Thomas Poteet and Son Funeral Directors. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. to noon with the memorial service immediately following. The service will be officiated by Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain, Rev. Bobby G. Hankerson and the honorary pallbearers will be members of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Pat, an adored husband and father, was a devoted family man. He resided in Evans, Georgia, for 29 years with his wife, Kim, where they raised their three children, Michael, Nick, and Macy. He cherished his family deeply, took great pride in their lives and accomplishments, and made them laugh endlessly. He also enjoyed the companionship of their dog, Lexie, and cat, Tux. He passed away after a courageous battle with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), following a six-week-long hospitalization.

Pat, a distinguished law enforcement leader and devoted public servant, dedicated 45 years of his life at the military, federal, state, and local levels. His career began with the United States Air Force as a Security Policeman, and later with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. He continued his career of service with the Charleston County Police Department, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, where he served as a Task Force Supervisor in Savannah, Georgia, and helped establish an office in Augusta, Georgia. He played an important role in extensive narcotics investigations and ongoing operations aimed at dismantling drug trafficking organizations.

He later brought his experience and leadership to the Richmond County Board of Education as Chief of Police for Campus Police, and ultimately to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as Chief Deputy. Under his leadership, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office achieved and maintained Triple Crown Accreditation across operations, detention, and medical services. During his tenure, the agency realized a 25 percent reduction in crimes against persons and a 50 percent reduction in crimes against property. Clearance rates also reached remarkable levels, including approximately 83 percent for homicides and 32 percent for property crimes, far exceeding national averages.

Pat was known not only for his operational excellence but also for his ability to build relationships and lead people. Reflecting on his career, he once said that what he was most proud of were the relationships he built, recognizing that success in law enforcement is rooted in teamwork, trust, and community.

Pat earned a Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina Wesleyan College, and a Master of Public Administration from Augusta University. He further strengthened his leadership through executive programs at the Southern Police Institute, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and the Police Executive Research Forum. In 2017, he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus by Augusta University. His passing marks a profound loss not only for his family, but for the entire Central Savannah River Area and the law enforcement community he served so faithfully for more than four decades.

Pat Clayton will be remembered as a man of integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to service. He was respected by peers, admired by those he led, and trusted by the community he protected. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he impacted, both personally and professionally. During his life, he saved at least four lives, and in his final act of selflessness, he gave the gift of life to three others through organ donation.

Pat is survived by his children, Michael Lee Clayton (Caroline), Nicholas Clayton (Nicole), and Macy Nicole Clayton (Jake); and by his brothers, Michael Clayton (Marguerite), John Clayton (Michele), Lee Clayton (Tracy) and Donnie Clayton (Cheryl). He was preceded in death by his parents, Denver Louis and Jackie Latham Clayton; and by his brothers, Causey and Allen Clayton.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bridges of Hope, 2845 Jackie Snider Trail, Stapleton, GA, 30823.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com