CLAY LAWSON FRENCH, JR. age 80, of New Market, TN went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at his home. He was a faithful member of Lighthouse Baptist Church in Strawberry Plains. He had also willingly and gladly served as youth group leader at Glen Oak Baptist Church, and deacon at New Beverly Baptist Church. He was a devoted husband of 61 years to his wife, Carolyn, and a loving father and papaw. In 1979 he founded Five Rivers Hydraulics, which is still in business today. He loved his classic cars, especially his 1952 GMC that had belonged to his father.  Preceded in death by his parents, Clay French, Sr. and Beatrice Johnson French; brothers, Billy Joe French and John David French. He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Hickman French; daughters, Kimberly Stanley (Bobby), Mechelle Dockery (Alan), and Melanie Bissell (Mark); grandchildren, David Grindstaff (Brittany), Amy Riner, Nicolas Grindstaff (Taylor), Bryce Bissell, Dylan Dockery (Lauren), and Nolan Bissell; great-grandchildren, Khloe, Brayden, Tristen, Tinley Grace, Lydia, Lennon, Brooks, and Addy Jo; along with several nieces and nephews. His dedicated sons-in-law, Bobby, Alan and Mark were very special to him,  the sons he never had. Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 18, 2024 at Farrar Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Sean Watson officiating, and eulogy by Lynn McClancy.  Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Shiloh Cemetery in Pigeon Forge with his grandson, David Lee Grindstaff officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Tennessee, 5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37910, or www.alzTennessee.org. Special thanks to the University of Tennessee Home Health, especially Emily, Le Ann, Freddy, Ann, April, Ronnie, Pam, Brianna, and special friends Sandi Williams and Michelle Watson for their loving care. 

Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City, TN 865-475-3892