Clarence Henry Clay Jr.

Clarence Henry Clay, Jr. 86, passed away on Friday, October 21, 2011. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Ebenezer United Methodist Church. Burial will be private in Ebenezer United Methodist Church Cemetery with the Dr. John Beck and Rev. Derek McAleer officiating. The family will greet friends from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Cherry Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 4600 Mercer University Drive, Macon GA 31210.

Mr. Clay was a native of Macon, Georgia and a veteran of three years service with the United States Air Force during World War II serving in the Pacific. Clarence Henry Clay, Jr. was engaged in the practice of law since 1949 and gave much of his time to public service as legislator and solicitor of the state court. Mr. Clay was prominently identified with the fraternal and religious life of Macon.

He was born in Macon on December 24, 1924, the son of Clarence Henry Clay, Sr. and Mamie Frances (Tucker) Clay. He received his elementary and secondary level of education in the public schools of Macon, graduating from Lanier High school. After graduating from University of Georgia, he earned his bachelor of Law degree from the University of Georgia Law School in 1949. Between graduation from high school and entering college, Mr. Clay served in the Air Force.

Mr. Clay began the private practice of law in Macon. His was a general practice and attracted clients who had known him for many years from the outset. But he had a great bent for public service. Mr. Clay was elected to the State Legislature for the 1951-52 term. Immediately after completing his legislative duties, he was named assistant solicitor for the State Court of Bibb County and served in the capacity during 1952- 1954. He returned to private practice for two years and in 1956 was named candidate for and elected to the post of solicitor for the State Court, where he served for over 40 years. In addition he was a partner in the Riverside Clinic Hospital.

His Civic club was the Lions. Mr. Clay was a member of Kappa Alpha Order, where he was number one for three years and served as province commander of the Kappa Alpha Order of Georgia and Alabama. He was a member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church, where he was chairman of the board and served as a Sunday school teacher. He was a also a member of the Sons of the Confederacy and Idle Hour Country Club.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Kingery Clay of Macon, two sons, Clarence Henry Clay, III of Macon and David Kingery Clay of Atlanta, one grandson, Dr. Clarence Henry Clay IV (Jennifer) of Tampa, FL, and his brother, Dr. Henry Tucker Clay (Cater) of Macon, two nieces: Cater Clay Thompson (B) and Frances Louise Clay both of Macon, nephew: Dr. Henry Tucker Clay, Jr. (Bessie) of Lansing, NC.

Visit www.snowsmemorial .com to express condolences.

Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Cherry Street has charge of arrangements.