Morris S. Clay Sr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Morris Stanley Clay, Sr. of Blythewood, South Carolina. He was born on April 8, 1933 in Neptune, N.J. and passed away on December 15, 2023, at the age of 90. Morris was the son of the late Lillie M. Vastie and Rex L. Clay, Sr. He was predeceased by his brothers: Vernon, Thomas, Glen, Marcellus, Conway, and Donald and, a sister, Hallie Clay.

Morris was married to his soulmate and loving wife, Geneva V. Clay, who predeceased him on December 15, 2020 after 63 years of marriage. He was particularly close to his wife’s sisters, Mrs. Carole Oliver (LeRoy) and Mrs. Paula Collins (Emmanuel-deceased.)

Morris is survived by his 4 sons, Morris Jr. (Tong-ya), Michael (Risa), Paul (Letty), and Troy (Eunice) who blessed him with 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

After serving in the United States Army for three years during the Korean War, he worked for the Madigan-Hyland Engineering Company, who assisted in building the Tappan Zee Bridge in New York City. After leaving Madigan-Hyland, Morris became a member of the Rahway Police Department in Rahway, New Jersey and retired as a Master Sergeant after more than 33 years of service.

Morris and Geneva left New Jersey in 2014 and moved to South Carolina. They resided in Lexington, South Carolina until Geneva’s death in 2020, at which time Morris moved to Blythewood, South Carolina to live with his son, Troy, and his family until his passing.

Morris was an avid New York Yankees baseball fan and enjoyed watching them play. He truly loved being around people and always filled the room with both love and laughter. Thanksgiving and Christmas were his favorite holidays because of all the wonderful food and quality time spent with family and friends.

A funeral service for Morris will be held Friday, January 5, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 9720 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, South Carolina 29016. Following the funeral service will be a burial at 12:00 PM at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29229.

Dad will ALWAYS be remembered as a hard-working man who gave 100% to his family. He was extremely proud of his four sons’ following in his footsteps of serving in uniform: Morris Jr., Michael, and Paul – Retired Police Officers; Troy – Retired Army Officer.

“When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men.”

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow