Clayton J. Sully Sr., age 83, passed away peacefully at home in Hidden Timber on April 20, 2026.
Clayton was born on July 1, 1942, in Rosebud, South Dakota, to Claude Sr. and Hermine (Prue) Sully. Raised with strong family values and a deep appreciation for hard work, Clayton carried those principles throughout his life.
He traveled to Dallas, Texas, where he studied X-ray technology at Parkland Memorial Hospital, beginning a long and respected career in medical imaging. Clayton worked in both the private sector and with the Indian Health Service, a profession that took him across the country. His work brought him to many places including Phoenix, Oklahoma, Dallas, Washington, Nevada, Pine Ridge Indian Health Service, and ultimately back home, where he retired from Rosebud Indian Health Service. As his favorite country song says, "I've been everywhere, man," a lyric that perfectly captured his adventurous life and career.
Clayton shared 38 loving years of marriage with his wife, Debra Sully. Together they raised three children: William Hawk Sr., Erin Marshall, and Steven Marshall.
Clayton was also the father of Clayton Sully Jr., Simone Sully, and Shannon Littlefield from previous marriages, and he cherished each of his children deeply.
A lifelong outdoorsman, Clayton found joy in hunting, fishing, camping, riding snowmobiles, and spending time in nature. He passed his love for the outdoors on to his children and grandchildren, creating memories that will live on for generations. Above all else, Clayton loved his family—especially his grandchildren, who meant the world to him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Debra Sully; his children William Hawk Sr., Erin Marshall, Steven Marshall, Shannon Littlefield, Simone Sully, and extended family; along with numerous grandchildren including William Jr., Waylon, Jaylynn, Morgan, Aaron, Dominic, Lawrence, Christopher, LaylaJo, Khloe, Jaxson, Michael, Clayton, Vanessa, Beau, Louisa, Louis, Lisa, and many others whose lives he touched with love, humor, and guidance.
Clayton was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Sr. and Hermine (Prue) Sully; siblings Byron, Claude Jr., Bonnie, Theresa, and Mildred; his son Clayton Sully Jr.; and his grandson Jonathan Marshall.
Clayton will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, dedication to his work, deep love of family, and the passion with which he lived life. His legacy lives on in the stories he told, the places he traveled, and the family he loved beyond measure.
Wake services will be held Monday, April 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Bishop Harold Jones Building.
Funeral services will take place Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at the family cemetery.
The family extends their gratitude to all who shared in Clayton's life and memories.