Willie G. Clay

Willie G. Clay was born July 22, 1942, in Batesville, Mississippi to Susan and Willie J. Clay, Sr.

He confessed the hope in Christ at an early age. He attended Antioch Baptist Church in Batesville, MS. He was raised in Mississippi where he received his education from the Mississippi School System.

He left Mississippi and traveled to Chicago and lived there for numerous years. Then he ventured and moved to Cleveland.

Willie had eight biological and adopted children from a previous marriage: Vonnie Clay (Washington), James Clay (Virginia), Jackie Hale (Kentucky), Renia Clay (Tennessee), Angela Clay (Washington), Willie J. Clay Jr. (Columbus), Anton Clay (Cleveland), and Selena Clay (Georgia).

Willie was a compassionate, and hardworking gentlemen. He became an over the road truck driver for many years with A & W Foods. On June 8, 1995 he married the love of his life, Neva (Steiner) Clay. They were married for 25 years. To this union, he gained two stepsons: Jarvis Boddie and Brian Boddie. Neva and Willie enjoyed traveling to various places like Columbus, Canada, Washington, Virginia and made many trips back to his hometown in Mississippi. He was family oriented and committed himself to family, friends, and his career as a meat cutter at Mentor Family Food where he retired in 2005. He was a great husband, father, and an awesome grandfather. Willie G had a great sense of humor and enjoyed listening to gospel music, watching sports and westerns, traveling, cooking, barbecuing and most of all fishing.

Willie G. developed a close relationship with his cousin and great friend and pastor, Rev. Willie Armstead. Together, with their wives, they traveled to many places throughout his lifetime and communicated daily via phone.

Willie G. joined St. Mark Baptist Church and was installed as a Deacon. He also served as a Substitute Superintendent of Sunday School. He was a faithful servant of Christ until his death on Tuesday, February 9, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his mother Susan Clay, his father Willie Clay, Sr., and his brother Willie C. “Red” Clay.

He leaves to cherish, his wife Neva Clay, his children Vonnie Clay, James Clay, Jackie Hale (Michael), Renia Clay (Isaac), Angela Clay, Willie J. Clay Jr., Anton Clay, and Selena Clay; stepsons Jarvis Boddie, and Brian Boddie; eighteen grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, friends, and loved ones. Deacon Willie G. Clay will truly be missed.