John Clay Littleton

 John Clay Littleton, age 26, passed on September 5, 2022, at his beloved cabin in Vonore, Tennessee. Although John Clay died young, he left this earth with tremendous love from so many special people.

John Clay graduated from Maryville City Schools in 2015. He then graduated from Pellissippi State Community College with an Associate of Science in History, 2017. John Clay then completed his education at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, with Bachelor of Science majoring in History and minoring in Anthropology, 2019. He studied abroad in Italy (Venice was his favorite city) and was planning another trip with his mom. All his family and friends are very proud of his educational accomplishments.

Education aside, John Clay had tremendous love for his family, friends, and neighbors. The love was mutual. He came home after graduation to be with his mother during the pandemic of 2020. He chose to work as a butcher-in-training at Food City Vonore. He respected and loved the people he worked alongside, customers and made many friends.

John Clay’s friends (most going back to junior high school) have always been very important to him. He hosted many lake parties. One of his favorite activities was “bridge jumping” at Ball Play Bridge. John Clay attended parties with his friends affectionally known as the “Trop Top Guys” because they all wore tropical shirts. John Clay was a wonderful host and all his young friends asked him often to visit, but being the great guy, he would always ask Mom first. He was a Dungeons and Dragon’s Master and an exceptional gamer. As a Magic card player, he attended several tournaments with his buddies. His dad and he were certified scuba divers and had many adventures diving in the Florida Keyes, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Honduras, and probably his most favorite Blackbeard’s Sailing Cruise.

While John Clay could not speak after the cerebral abscess and seizure, he could still move his left arm. When someone came to visit, he always made the effort to comfort them by high fiving, fist bumping, “spirit waving”, thumb wrestling, thumbs up, arm wrestling, playing tug of war, smiling, and more to let them know he loved them.

His care at UT Medical Center, Select Specialty Hospital, and Siskins Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation were exceptional. Most of all, many thanks to the tremendous team of caregivers at UT Hospice under the direction of Dr. Cynthia Pearman. They are loving, sweet, kind, and special people. John Clay’s mom knew every day that he was in their loving care.

John Clay requested that no services be held. His resting place will be at Grandview Cemetery.

Survived by: Mother, Connie Love Talbott Littleton. Father, John D. Littleton. Half-Sister, who loved him so very much, Christy Littleton, Nieces Madison and Zoe. Uncle Bill Talbott, Aunt Kathy Talbott, Aunt Sheila Littleton, Aunt Sandy Bell, Grandmother Doreen Littleton.

Preceded by: Grandmother, Sally Peterson Talbott (Nana), Grandfather, Clayton H. Talbott, Grandfather, Clifford Littleton and Aunt, Brenda Myers Talbott.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to University of Tennessee Hospice in his name.