James Clayton Cryar

James Clayton Cryar, 95, of Moss Bluff, LA, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in DeRidder, LA on April 15, 1930, to James and Hazel Cryar. After his mother's death, he was raised by his loving grandmother, Anna "Annie" Davis Cryar. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Clayton was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, serving his country with honor and integrity. He retired from PPG as a carpenter and served his Lord faithfully at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church for many years. He enjoyed woodworking, but his main passion was fishing; man, oh man, did he like to fish.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Gaye Nixon Cryar, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage. Also, his parents James and Hazel Cryar, siblings, Betty Cryar Mahaffey, Louise Myers, and Juanice Peterson.

Clayton is survived by his second wife, Patricia McMullen Cryar, with whom he shared 23 years of marriage, and by his beloved sister, Joanne Cooke. He is also survived by his four children: Terry Walter & Marlene Cryar, Royce “Dean” & Penny Cryar, Margaret Ann “Peggy” Cryar Bruce & Keith Bruce and Susan Kay Cryar Clark & Julie Broussard; and the children he embraced as his own: Morgan & Melanie Cryar, Connie Cryar Stutes & Dickie Stutes and Tommy & DeLane Cryar. Together they enjoyed 23 grandchildren, Lacy, Joshua, Alisha, Erin, Camille, Carmen, Christopher, Daniel, Sophie, Tilly, Callie, Phobe, Abraham, Emma, Liam, Casey, Chelsea, Kipp, Colby, Savannah, Kade, Colton, and Sledge, along with 34 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in DeRidder, La. visitation for friends and family will be held from 9:00 to 11:00a.m. Brother Danny Wilson will officiate. The burial will take place in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in DeRidder, LA following the service.

Pallbearers: Joshua Cryar, Christopher Clark, Daniel Clark, Derek Dean, Landon Bruce

Honorary Pallbearers: Casey Stutes, Brett Hooper, Kipp Cryar, Colby Cryar, Kade Cryar, Abraham Cryar, Colton Cryar, Sledge Cryar, Liam Cryar

Clayton's memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His legacy of love, craftsmanship, and commitment to family will continue to inspire all who were blessed enough to know him. May he rest in peace.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelation21:4