Ray Dell Clay

In the early 70’s after graduating from High school, Ray moved to Portland, Oregon. He started his love for music at a very young age listening to country western and the blues over the air waves.

Known as (The Blues Man of Portland), Ray played in many venues with his band, Ray Dell Clay and company. He loved and supported the music community as they played many gigs together.

In 1974, Ray met Bernadine Caldwell. He married his soul mate on December 25, 1982. Ray worked for the Portland Public School District until his retirement. When Ray was not at work or on stage playing music, he was with his family either working as a mechanic or gone fishing. Ray was an excellent cook and made the best smothered potatoes on this side of the country.

The “Chief” was an avid Blazers Fan, loved his family, music, good food, especially the desserts, and a good house party.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, step-daughter Anna, and several nieces and nephews. He is survived by his wife Bernadine Clay, daughters, Jacquelyn (Terry) Jones of Port Angeles, Washington, Regina (Robert Burke) Burke of Austin Texas, Kawana (Ralph Nickerson) Vincent of Portland, Oregon. His sons, Homer Jackson of Portland, Oregon, Wendell Jackson of Amarillo Texas, Ray Dell (Verda) Clay Jr. of Austin Texas, Cardell (Felicia) Clay of Austin, Texas, and Alfred Vincent of Portland, Oregon. He had 28 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, as well as his honorary children.

Our family would like to express our sincerest Thanks to family members, musicians, and friends for their many prayers, encouragement, help and support during this difficult time.

Ray will be missed by all who loved him.

Arrangements under the direction of Caldwell's, Hennessey, Goetsch & McGee Funeral Home, Portland, OR.