Clayton Rudolph Wilkes III, 35, of Wake Forest, beloved son passed away peacefully on October 1, 2012 in Miami Florida. Clayton was born in Columbia, South Carolina and spent his developmental years in the Apex, Raleigh area of North Carolina.

Clayton attended Sacred Heart Cathedral School before moving onto Apex Middle and High School graduating in 1995. He then continued his education at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh. During his childhood years, he enjoyed many sports, especially swimming and soccer. In 1998, he joined the North Carolina Army National Guard and served in the 732nd maintenance company as a logistics specialist. Clayton was a kind and gentle soul that exhibited artistic talent, a love for the mountains and sea, and a whimsical humor followed by an infectious smile. His brother and sister idolized their big brother. Unfortunately, Clayton’s struggles with the illness of addiction took him far from his home for most of his adult life. Throughout this entire journey to recovery, he never wavered his love for his family and friends.

Clayton is survived by his parents, Clay and Linda Wilkes of Wake Forest; brother, Chris Wilkes and wife Julie of Portland, Maine; sister, Katie Meyers and husband Jordan of Louisville, Kentucky; cousins, Carol Winberry of Columbia, S.C., Doug Stanley of Athens, GA., Bruce Stanley, wife Lan and son Paul all of Dubai, UAE; and extended family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 12 o’clock for Clayton Rudolph Wilkes III on Friday October 12, 2012 at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, St. Mary of the Angels Chapel located on the church grounds at 11401 Leesville Road Raleigh, N.C. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in Pine Forest Memorial Gardens, Wake Forest.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions may be made to The Healing Place of Wake County, 1251 Goode Street Raleigh, NC 27603. A service of Bright Funeral Home, 405 S. Main St., Wake Forest. (919-556-5811).