Memorials › William Henry Clay
William Henry Clay
28 Apr 1936 – 24 Aug 2023
| Birth | 28 Apr 1936 |
| Death | 24 Aug 2023 |
| Cemetery | Quanah Memorial Park Quanah , Hardeman County , Texas , USA |
| Added by | Betty Carrol Cooper Omholt on 27 Aug 2023 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/258403752 |
Bio
William Henry Clay was born April 28, 1936, to George Clay and Lila Faye Henry Clay. William "Jim" was born in their home in Loco Oklahoma. Jim was the oldest of seven and was raised with his two sisters and three brothers in parts of Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. Jim's father was a pipe fitter in the Union and moved his family around as the work moved around. Lila Faye was a stay-at-home Mom. Jim grew up in the wake of the Great Depression and lived a hard scrabble life. Jim, also, spent a great deal of time with his maternal grandparents, W.O. & Ollie Etta Henry, in Quanah, Texas. W.O. was an enormous influence on Jim. At the young age of 18 he met the girl who would become the love of his life and his bride for 67 ½ years. Jim and Virginia moved numerous times following Jim's love of music, newspaper printing career and his art career. All while raising five children they had together. Jim was a multi-talented man who loved to sing music and paint western art. He had two songs recorded at the age of 20. Throughout his lifetime Jim painted numerous works of art as well. His body of work numbers over 100 paintings as well as drawings and sculptures. In 1971 Jim and Virginia moved to Graham, Texas where he became the managing editor and later co- owner of the Graham Leader newspaper before retiring in 1986 to pursue his love of art. Jim had many art shows and illustrated several books. He was passionate about his artwork and tried to encourage and teach everyone who showed any interest in art. Jim and Virginia moved in 2016 to Paige, Texas to be closer to their children, where Jim continued his pursuit of art and teaching numerous classes in Paige, Bastrop and Giddings. Jim was heartbroken when Virginia was diagnosed with dementia in 2018. They continued to live in Paige together until Virginia's health required more professional care. After Virginia was moved into a nursing home in Bastrop, Jim continued to live independently in his home in Paige, Texas. In January 2023, Jim suffered a sever stroke and underwent brain surgery. He never regained his ability to paint and passed away in a skilled facility in Bastrop, Texas on August 24th, 2023. Jim was predeceased by his wife of 67 ½ years Virginia Lou Stewart Clay, his parents, George and Lila Faye Clay, two brothers, Anthony Clay and Richard Clay. As well as one sister Donita Clay Brandon. Jim was also preceded in death by his daughter Teresa Clay Price and his son Stewart William Clay. Jim is survived by three children, Jimmy Alan Clay, Dorothy Diane and Gary Smith and Tami and Steve Hitt. He is, also, survived by 14 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 8 great greatgrandchildren. Jim left a legacy and strong impression each of them and will be dearly missed and mourned by them all.
Photos
Family
Parents
Spouse
Siblings
Export GEDCOM
This person only · Entire connected family