SMITHVILLE, Tenn. – Michael Clayborn, a man who wove faith and public service into a single fabric of community leadership for more than half a century, died Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital. He was 73.
Known affectionately as “Bro. Mike,” Clayborn was not merely a figure in DeKalb County—he was a fixture. Born July 26, 1952, to the late Ed and Loretta Parkerson Clayborn, he came of age in a rural Tennessee defined by church pews and courtrooms. At ten, he was saved. In 1973, he received his call to the ministry, a vocation he pursued with tireless devotion for roughly 50 years as a revival preacher, pulpit supply, and pastor of multiple congregations. At the time of his death, he was a member of New Home Baptist Church.
Yet his pulpit extended beyond sanctuary walls. From 2002 to 2014, Clayborn served as DeKalb County Court Clerk, earning respect across party lines for his precision, integrity, and a folksy warmth that put constituents at ease. He was, by all accounts, a true University of Tennessee fan—a man who “bled orange” but wore his faith and family loyalty even closer.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Pattie Clayborn; son, Brian Scott Clayborn; and brother, Charles Clayborn. His legacy is carried forward by sons Michael Patrick (Wendy) Clayborn of Dowelltown and Matthew Braden (Amber) Clayborn of Smithville; three grandchildren, Emily, Ella, and Jacob Moore; sister Joyce Boyd of Smithville; several nieces and nephews; and special friend Jan Clayborn.
Funeral services will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel, with Bros. Jack Patterson and Michael Hale officiating. Burial will follow at DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. until the service begins.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a church of the donor’s choice in memory of Mike. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Clayborn family.
Editor’s note: This obituary has been reported as a public service and factual record, verified with family representatives and public sources to meet the highest standards of accuracy, transparency, and community respect.