Community Bids Farewell To Kenneth B. Clay Sr.

Longtime resident Kenneth "Ken" B. Clay Sr. died peacefully on Monday, July 15, while holding hands with his lifelong bride of 66 years, Helen Caudill Clay.

Clay was born on Sept. 26, 1926, in Baileysville, W VA, to Blonnie and Edward Clay. After moving to Boone, NC, as a young child, he met Helen Caudill in the sixth grade.

Following an Honorable Discharge from the Navy, Clay returned to North Carolina and began what would become a distinguished 35-year career with The Standard Oil Co. beginning in 1947. He went on to excel in the company (now ExxonMobil), serving as a relief sales agent; sales supervisor; and his final position until retirement, district manager for the State of Florida.

During his career, Clay also served as vice president of the Tampa Oil Men's Club and held membership in the Oil Institute of Florida. He served the community and state while on the Florida Petroleum Council Finance Committee, the University of Tampa Committee of 100, the Tampa Chamber of Commerce, as well as chairman of the 1969 Convention Site Committee.

In addition to his wife, Clay is survived by his son, Kenneth (Kenny) Clay Jr. and his wife Deborah, of San Francisco, CA; daughters Zana and her husband Joe Turner of Brandon, and Carol Reid of Singer Island; granddaughters Beth (Paul) Murphy of Tampa, Shannon (Thomas) Gerstheimer of Ontario, CA, Aliza (Joshua) Yoder of North Richland Hills, TX, Caron Fischbach of Redington Beach; and five great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by two siblings, Virginia C. Farthing and William E. Clay, both of Wilkesboro, NC.

The family would like to thank Dr. Edward D. Scanlan and the nurses and aides from LifePath Hospice (Sapphire Team) who monitored his journey, took excellent care of him, kept him comfortable and guided the family.

The final years of his life were spent with Alzheimer's disease.

The family will have a private memorial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LifePath Hospice, 12973 N. Telecom Parkway, Suite 100, Temple Terrace, FL 33637-9975.