Locally Known Homeless Man Found Dead At Campsite In Toms River
Cause of death on Billy Clayton pending autopsy results
Photos
A homeless Toms River man was found dead by police at his 'campsite' early Thursday evening.
Billy Clayton, 57, was found in his tent in the woods across from the 7-Eleven store between Fischer Boulevard and Hooper Avenue. The cause of death is yet to be determined pending autopsy results, according to Police Chief Michael Mastronardy.
An acquaintance of Clayton's contacted police around 5 p.m. Thursday to alert officers that Clayton hadn't been seen in a while, according to Mastronardy.
Dennis Galante, former owner of Nature Fair on Hooper Avenue, was one of many residents who had known Clayton over the years.
"A lot of us befriended and took care of him," Galante said. "We did the best we could."
"He was a long-time recognized figure by anyone who frequented or lived in the Silverton section of Toms River," Galante added. "This is a tragedy of circumstance of the homeless around us. This follows along with the big problem going on in Ocean County and the lack of housing for them (the homeless)."
Galante had requested, on Clayton's behalf, that a prayer be said in memory of Clayton's loss, at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church on Hooper Ave in Toms River.
Galante said his friend and associate Eric Corbet, of Holy Cross, wrote the following, which was ready at Sunday's masses.
"Dear Lord, we lift up to you William Clayton, who died this week as he lived, homeless and alone in a tent in the woods not far from here. He was as much a victim of his mental illness and past drug use as of an apathetic community that cared not for him as long as he wasn’t bothering anyone. As poor Lazarus was carried away by angels to be by Your side, please give William his place in your kingdom and help us to remember to try to close that chasm that exists between us and the poorest in our society."
No Name
6:40 am on Monday, December 12, 2011
So sad to live and die alone. Rest in peace Billy.
Mare
6:45 am on Monday, December 12, 2011
He could very well be the lucky one. The more people I meet, the more I'd like to be alone....not joking. RIP Billy.
sue
7:28 am on Monday, December 12, 2011
Sad to know that how we all get so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget that there are others out there so less fortunate...RIP.
maryellen reilly
8:16 am on Monday, December 12, 2011
In today's society people worry about the thousands of homeless dogs and cats. Maybe, the newspapers could run a similar page like they do on Saturday of the pets needing a home but instead showing the thousands of human beings needing a home.
No Name
11:08 am on Monday, December 12, 2011
People in my company donate to the homeless community in Lakewood as it is near where we work. If you ask most of those people, they want to stay right where they are. Some of them are former business people that have lost their jobs and homes. They are proud of their little community. Unfortunately, dogs and cats are homeless due to uncaring humans, through no fault of their own.
Anthony
4:53 pm on Monday, December 12, 2011
Pretty sure nobody is going to euthanize the homeless if we dont let them move into our homes.
Woody Keller
12:41 pm on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
RIP Billy, my only thought is there is no help for animals. Billy had people try to help him, he refused contributions. He was proud in his own obsure way. The pets in cages are helpless, all they want is a warm home and to be loved. Many people reached out to Billy. Few people try to help the animals. They don't turn on you like people do. Take this from a nurse/volunteer.
GaryR
8:20 am on Monday, December 12, 2011
On another note, we lived in that area for many years. On more that one occasion during the warmer months, we found him in our backyard by our pool, on our deck...once he was seen looking through one of our sliding glass windows into the house and the Police were called more than once. It really alarmed everyone in our house and surrounding area. Even though most thought of him as harmless, he sure put a scare into the women in our house for quite some time.
Godspeed Billy....
Martin
8:27 am on Monday, December 12, 2011
For once, this site has many appropriate, caring and intelligent comments. The prayer sums it up nicely. Thanks to all of you for your thoughts.
n2sjersey
9:45 am on Monday, December 12, 2011
Maryellen you are so right! What ashame...
STSV2010
9:48 am on Monday, December 12, 2011
Billy was not alone. No one ever dies alone. The Lord is always with us.
Reynolds
9:50 am on Monday, December 12, 2011
A quotation from another tragedy is appropriate here..."Good-night, sweet prince;
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
Virginia
10:02 am on Monday, December 12, 2011
Billy was always taken care of by all of silverton we owned a diner and he was never turned away when hungry , our prayers are with you in your continuing journey.
1stcav
10:29 am on Monday, December 12, 2011
RIP Billy , MC in Heaven with my Lord..Amen
disgusted homeowner
10:45 am on Monday, December 12, 2011
Very sad. It's time for Ocean County and our Board of Freeholders to wake up and acknowledge the "serious" homeless problem here in the county. Many others are homeless due to the foreclosure problem of the last several years and have nowhere to turn. We are one of the few counties in the state with NO homeless shelter at all. It's time to correct this dire situation before a tragedy like this repeats itself.
Patti Smith
11:54 am on Monday, December 12, 2011
Rest in Peace Billy....now you will enter into Heaven and be safe and warm with the Lord:) Amen....and God Bless you....
bayway mike
12:44 pm on Monday, December 12, 2011
R.I.P. Billy..So sad to die alone..
May Peace Be With You.
Marlana
12:55 pm on Monday, December 12, 2011
God rest your soul, Billy!!!!! Silverton will never forget you!!!!!!
silverton raised
1:51 pm on Monday, December 12, 2011
Gary R., I don't know who you are, but I have known Billy my entire life, including him knowing where i reside, he has never done anything of that sort that I nor my family are aware of, and they are all TRPD, State Police, and Silverton Fire Department. I feel if Billy was ever a threat to anyone, they would not want myself, nor any of my family around him, and that was never the case. So as disturbing as your comment is, I hope it is true, and you not use his name untruthful.
On another note, Billy you may be gone, but never forgotten. You inspired many souls, and touched many hearts of those who got to know you, "You can take them out of Silvy, but you can't take Silvy out of them." May you finally be reunited with your family, and rest your head. May angels lead you in.
GaryR
4:02 pm on Monday, December 12, 2011
Yes, what I said was true...how we learned about him was through my friends on the Brick PD. We lived right off of Old Hooper and he would come through the woods (before the storage place was built) and cut through our backyard because we had a gate from the woods. When you have a stranger, regardless how harmless everyone says he was, in your backyard and only the girls were home...it can be and WAS alarming. Once the Police confronted him at Stop & Shop about it, we never saw him again...but I also put a lock on the gate just to make sure and to calm the family's fears. Even with all the assurances from the TR & Brick PDs who came to our house, the Mrs. and my daughter were upset for quite some time.
I'm glad to hear you had such a wonderful relationship with him, by the outpouring of positive response here, I can read that he was in fact a nice guy...I'm glad I saw this article.
parkway
7:42 pm on Monday, December 12, 2011
yes we do need homeless shelters especially in this cold weather. God Bless this poor man
Dave
8:44 pm on Monday, December 12, 2011
I knew of him, but not personally. Last time I saw him he was in front of the Dunkin Donuts in Silverton with his bicycle. And just because he was 'homeless', I hope he gets a decent and proper burial. RIP.
Arts Aluminum
8:55 pm on Monday, December 12, 2011
I remember Billy since I was 14 and worked in Algers. We even "hung out" a few times. Ironic as I just saw him last week.... Wed. or Thur early evening at the Exxon....sitting next to his bike enjoying a cigarette....holding it in his hand in that most unusual way as he always did.
Rest in Peace Billy Clayton...you need suffer no more.
Arty G
Diane Clayton
9:20 pm on Monday, December 12, 2011
Was this a Billy Clayton who grew up in Point Pleasant? Had a brother Russ?
jon
6:01 am on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Billy grew up and lived in Silverton all his life. He went to Toms River North High School. May he find the Peace he was always searching for.
Carole Clayton
12:12 am on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Diane, I don't think it's the Billy we knew. Have to wait to see an obit to see his family names. I pray it's not the Billy we knew, he was still doing well the last I spoke with his ex-mother-in-law.
Marynary
11:28 am on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
I believe he grew up in a home on Silver Bay Rd.
Woody Keller
12:51 pm on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Remember he was a man receiving Socal Security and did not want help from people. The animals don't have that so called luxury. They live in cages and have little human contact, it is hard for them to connect with people again. People are the ones who left them in the first place.
victor confenti
2:25 pm on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Bye-Bye Billy. you will be missed.....Silverton is nothing like when we were kids.R.I.P.
TRNJadair
2:57 pm on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Rest in Peace, Billy.
You were a kind soul and you will be missed.
I was happy to be able to help you with some spending
money when I could. You will be missed.
A Friend
Just a Guy
5:04 pm on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Billy was a strange bird indeed, but everyone of us is as well. I grew up with him during the 70's and he was always one to help you out if it was in his means to do so. Sadly he was his own worst enemy, but his life should be a lesson to all of us, that what ever life course we choose, LIFE itself is a wonderful SHORT experience. Cherish the time we have now, and use it wisely. Gladly, Billy knew of the hope of a resurrection to a glorious paradise earth! (John 5:28; Acts 24:15) I long to speak with him again then!
Harry A
7:56 am on Wednesday, December 14, 2011
R.I.P. Billy. God speed!
Donna Clemente
9:34 am on Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Lets all remember never to judge the homeless, and remember we all all Gods children and are interconnected.... I pray Billy died peacefully and is now in heaven with his family and friends... Lets all treat eachother with respect, and love, and make this world a better place! Happy Holidays! Donna C. TR.
jon
10:13 am on Wednesday, December 14, 2011
For those who did not see the article in The Press, there will be a Service at the Silverton Cemetery, located behind Silverton Memorial Funeral Home, next to Exxon, corner of Chuch and Hooper at 11:00 a.m. Sat.
Mr. ?
10:16 am on Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Billy Clayton's service is this Saturday at 11 AM, graveside at Silverton Cemetery behind Silverton Funeral Home which is on the corner of Hooper Avenue and Church Road. You can use this link if you wish send condolences http://obituaries.expressionstributes.com/?o=3a0a220952
Jim Vee
7:00 pm on Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Saddened to hear about the passing of Billy. I moved to Silverton in 1964, and knew Billy as we were the same age. He hung with some rough guys in '68-70, and I think that was what ultimately led to the problems he faced. 'Nuff said on that.
He was a local fixture, often seen walking on Silver Bay Rd. The house he grew up in was on this road, pretty close to Hooper.
He looked menacing, but never hurt anyone that I am aware of.
Hope he is at peace-
Seamus