Clayton “Clay” Eugene Swenson, Jr., of Calabash, N.C., passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 24, 2026, at Duke Hospital in Durham, NC. He was 78.
Born on December 2, 1947, in Florence, SC, Clay grew up in Lake City, SC, across the street from his grandmother and next door to his aunt, uncle, and cousins. He built a life defined by devotion to his family, steadfast service, hard work, and a deep connection to the people and communities he loved. He was a proud graduate of The Citadel, Class of 1970, Charlie Company, a brotherhood he cherished and remained connected to until the very end. He later earned his MBA from Golden State University.
After graduating from The Citadel with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Clay joined the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. His military service began a life of adventure that he shared with his wife, Kay, the love of his life. Together, they moved to several U.S. bases before relocating to Wiesbaden, Germany in 1973, where they spent three and a half years and developed their love of international travel. Clay served nine years on active duty in the Air Force, followed by 12 years in the reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1991.
In 1979, Clay and Kay settled in Durham, NC, where they raised their family and became active members of Parkwood United Methodist Church and Epworth United Methodist Church. Clay went on to build a successful career in telecommunications, earning numerous awards and recognitions along the way while serving as a mentor to many. He retired from GSK in 2011, and he and Kay then relocated to Calabash, NC. Never one to sit still for long, Clay turned his love of woodworking into a second career with Furniture Medic. A victim of his own success, he eventually retired again so he could spend more time traveling with Kay and enjoying time with his grandsons.
Clay’s life was deeply rooted in faith and community. He loved his church, often serving in leadership positions, welcoming new members, and building lasting friendships through Methodist Men. Throughout his life, he was active in various Rotary Clubs, PTAs at his children’s schools, the United Way, Little River Chamber of Commerce, and the Waccamaw River Keepers, among others.
Clay was often the first to raise his hand to volunteer, even when the task was something he knew nothing about, whether it was coaching Little League soccer without knowing the rules, joining the church handbell choir despite being unable to read music, or fearlessly being among the first to test out the rope swing at the river. He was a stand-up guy whose natural charisma and sense of humor made it seem as though he never met a stranger.
Clay loved many things deeply: his faith; traveling with family and friends; watching his children and grandchildren from the sidelines; spending time in his workshop and passing his skills on to his grandsons; the music of Elvis and The Beatles; Maker’s Mark bourbon; the Carolina Hurricanes and Duke basketball; their couples’ bridge group in Durham; boating at Jordan Lake; his late cats, Toonces and Chi Chi; afternoons on the Waccamaw River; Sunset Beach; gatherings in Lake City; traveling by train; and the enduring bond he felt with The Citadel. He cherished friends who became family and treasured reconnecting with cousins over the years. As his pace slowed later in life, their dog, Maxie, became a faithful shadow at his side or on his lap. Through every season, above all else, Clay adored his family. Anyone who knew him knew just how much.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kay; his son, Daniel Swenson, and Daniel’s wife, Christine, and their sons, Payne, Oscar, and Fletcher; his daughter, Amanda Swenson Turner, and her son, George; his sister, Deborah McCartha; his brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Charles and Cindy Payne, and Reginald Daves; as well as several nieces and nephews who lovingly referred to him as the “fun uncle,” and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Sybil Swenson; his in-laws, James and Sudie Payne; and his sister-in-law, Sudie Payne Daves.
Clay will be remembered in the many places that mattered to him and by the many people whose lives were made better by his presence. His life was marked by service, fellowship, adventure, humor, and an enduring love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, connection, and joy, as well as more than a few long-winded jokes, prayers, and stories that his family will continue telling for years to come.
A Celebration of Life will be held on September 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM at their church, Seaside United Methodist in Sunset Beach, NC.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation to help further research.