Stephen "Eric" Clayton

Stephen “Eric” Clayton, 48, of Portal, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center in Augusta. Born on February 6, 1978, in Savannah, he was raised in Portal and attended schools there and in Statesboro.

Eric was an avid outdoorsman who cherished hunting, fishing, and his 4x4 trucks. He found his greatest joy in time spent with family, backyard cookouts, and above all, the deep love he held for his mother.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John Daniel Finch, Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Tucker, Bobby and Carolyn Clayton, and Luther and Cammie Thompson; his uncle, Eddie Clayton; his aunt and uncle, Nick and Lucy Pascullis; and his uncle, David Finch.

Eric is survived by his mother, Debbie (Gary) Bustle; his father, Steve Clayton; his grandmother, Cammie Finch; his sister, Laci Bustle; his half-brother, Kane (Ashton) Bustle; and his niece and nephews, Annie Travis, Blaze, and Bodhi. He also leaves behind aunts and uncles Missy and David Cason, Tammy Finch, Denise Bath, Mike Clayton, and Vicky Fail; great-uncle and aunt James and Joyce Thompson; cousins Cole, Hayes, Abbie, Lizzie, Dusty, Nicki, Elizabeth, Leigh, Laura, Dylan, and Destiny; and many other cherished cousins.