Clyde Clayton (Clay) Dunaway Jr.

Clyde Clayton (Clay) Dunaway, Jr. left this life on October 31 at the age of 67. Born in Baton Rouge on July 28, 1955, Clay attended Trinity Baptist Elementary and Glen Oaks Jr. and High Schools. He received a degree in accounting from LSU, and a master’s of health administration from Tulane.

Clay devoted 30 years to public service, working for the State of Louisiana in the Departments of Education and Corrections, before finding his passion for public healthcare at Earl K. Long Hospital. He spent several years serving the public hospital in Lake Charles before returning as CEO at Earl K. Long.

But Clay is best known to his family and friends for his more personal passions. He was a lifelong lover of sports, both as an athlete in his early years, and later, as a spectator. He particularly loved LSU sports, and was often found on the sidelines in Tiger Stadium and Alex Box. He was an avid sportsman, hunting and fishing with family and friends who made these activities possible for the past 50 years. Clay was a devotee of a wide range of music, from Elton John to Chris Stapleton. His appreciation of excellent lyrics and musicianship broadened the musical horizons of his family.

A true Dunaway, he was both hardheaded and fiercely loyal, someone you wanted on your side when trouble came. Clay enjoyed spending time with family, sharing good food and intense one-on-one conversations, making people laugh with his wry and slow-building sense of humor, and watching a gripping ball game.

Clay was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Nadine Dunaway, brother James Marvin, sisters Kathryn and Frances. He will be missed by his survivors: Kelle, his wife of 40 years, children Emily and Leann, brother Jerry, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at Istrouma Baptist Church on Thursday, November 3rd from 9-11am, with a service at 11am, followed by graveside services at Greenoaks Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation (www.christopherreeve.org, 636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 3A, Short Hills NJ 07078), or to a charity of your choice. Please visit www.greenoaksfunerals.com to leave a condolences to the family.