Arthur Edward “Ed” Clay, 70, of Alum Creek, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 27, 2013, surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer.
Ed was a loving husband and father, who is dearly loved by his family. He was born December 21, 1942 in Carter County, KY to the late Arthur and Margaret Coburn Clay. He graduated Scott High School in 1962 and joined the US Army upon graduation.
He proudly served in Korea as part of the U.S. Army 70th Transportation Battalion from 1963-64. He later served in the Vietnam War from 1966 through 1969 in the 155th Transportation Company, receiving the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Sharpshooter Expert, and Vietnam Service Medals. He was a retired electrician, working many years in the Kanawha Valley chemical industry. He was a member of the Alum Creek VFW Post 4768.
Survivors include his wife, Gerri Anne Clay, married 47 years and his children, Rick Clay (Dee) of Hurricane, Debbie Bird (Jim) of Alum Creek, and Mark Clay of Alum Creek. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Emily Bird (Marshall University), Courtney Bird (Marshall University), Alex Clay (West Virginia University) and Allison Clay (Hurricane High School). He is also survived by brothers, Charles Roger Clay and Claude Clay (both of Alum Creek), and sister, Claudette McFadden (Rock, WV).
Funeral service will be 4:00 pm Sunday, June 30th at Curry Funeral Home, 2097 Childress Road, Alum Creek with Pastor Frank Chapman officiating. Burial will follow at Orchard Hills Memory Gardens, Yawkey, with Military Graveside Rites conducted by the Alum Creek VFW Post 4768. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 pm Sunday.
The family would like to thank the staff of Kanawha Hospice (Sallie) for compassionate and professional care. Due to his love of animals and in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Kanawha Humane Society in Ed’s name.
Rick, I heard from Anthony about your father’s passing. I am sincerely sorry for your loss. Condolences, Wes Byrd
I’m so sorry for your loss. I worked with your daddy at FMC in the mid 70’s. He was a great guy and one of the funniest people I ever knew. I wish all the best for your family.