- Date Of Birth: June 24, 1935
- Date Of Death: December 12, 2018
- State: Arizona
The Life of William C. Clay
In the small far east Texas town of Hemphill William C. Clay was born to Ophelia Buckley-Clay & William Clay on June 25, 1935. William affectionately known as “Bill” was the oldest of three children, two brothers, Roy and Bennie Clay and one sister, Pearl Clay-Glover.
Bill started work at nine years of age washing dishes at night with his mother in Port Arthur TX. As a young boy, when school was out during the summer, Bill traveled from Port Arthur, TX to Hemphill, TX to chop cotton, cut wood for the cast iron stoves, churn milk, and wash dishes. Bill was no stranger to hard work. His work ethic and accolades from this dedicated work ethic continued into adulthood.
In 1955 Bill graduated from Lincoln High School and shortly after he entered the United States Navy.
Bill was a strong man of faith who had a deep personal relationship with God.
In 1983 Bill attend Contra Costa Community College where he took classes and later became a certified vocational nurse.
Even after his retirement, Bill’s love of the medical profession and caring for people never waned. He went back to vocational school and became a certified traveling Paramedical Examiner and Home Health Care Giver. Even in these roles, Bill’s accolades continued citing his unprecedented professionalism, his caring and gentle nature, his consideration of others and his ‘gentleman’ spirit.
In 2004, Bill was personally selected by Rev. Herbert Guice as his primary care giver until his passing. Nurturing and caring for people young and old was Bill’s special gift. He had an amazing way of easing the anxiety and frustration away from people in vulnerable times of their life.
Bill was not shy about his love for good country soul music. He loved to make his friends and family laugh, and he could throw down in the kitchen on some of our most beloved southern style soul food.
William C. Clay was preceded in death by his birth parents and two brothers, Roy and Benny Clay. He leaves to cherish his memories: His sister Pearl, Three daughters, Pamela, Vanessa, and Geneva, seven grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.
