The Bible says “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8

Big Stone Gap, Va.-Clayton Caudill at the age of 60 passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, after a 13-month battle with cancer and is now in the presence of the Lord. He fought a hard fight all the way to the end and was surrounded by many loved ones in his final days. He left this world knowing he was loved.
Clayton worked as a local breadman for 43 years at Rainbo, Sara Lee, and Flowers Bakery’s. Everyone knew and loved their favorite breadman. He loved being outside riding four wheelers, hunting, going into the mountain, boating, camping or just hanging out with friends and family. His favorite adventure was cruising on cruise ships with his wife all over the world. They had been on 28 cruises together making so many wonderful memories. Clayton just enjoyed life.
Clayton is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Estil Ann Caudill as well as son Freddie Ashley. He leaves behind his loving wife of 26 years, Joyce Caudill, whom he always said was his best friend. He leaves behind sons, Cody Caudill (Rachel), Clay Caudill (Danielle) and daughter Tammie Hale (Kenneth). He also leaves behind his grandchildren Mason Caudill (his buddy & sidekick), Meredith Caudill, Brandon Hale, Leeanna Hepler, Kayla Mumpower, Nathan Ashley, and Matthew Ashley as well as great grandchildren Abby, Hannah, Rebecca, and Jeremiah. Surviving also is his brother Danny Caudill (Ellen) and sisters Vickie Harless (Ronnie), Rowena Sellitto and Joyce Riddle. He had three nieces that he thought the world of: Jessie, Kellie, and Tiffany.
The family will receive friends 10:00am – 12:00pm on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave., W., Big Stone Gap, Va. The service will follow at 12 noon with Pastor Josh Tompkins and Rev. Mark Tabor officiating.
Pallbearers will be Johnny Wells, Johnny Baker, Mike Wilson, Billy Barker, Clay Caudill, Cody Caudill, Ken Hale and Danny Caudill.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Caudill family.