Golden M. Clay

Following a full life of selflessness, stewardship and humility, our beloved dad, grandpa, great-grandpa and great-great-grandpa, answered his Savior’s gentle call to come “up home” on Monday evening, May 8, 2017.  He was 96 years old.  As happy as we were to have him to ourselves, we wish you could have known him too!  Born April 5, 1921, in Cove Gap, Lincoln County, West Virginia, a son to the late Nathan and Laura (Adkins) Clay, dad was a proud but humble US Army veteran having served in World War II.  He met and married mom, Lorene (Dyer) Clay and together they shared 65 years together before her passing in 2013.  They lived in Massillon and he retired from the former Enduro Division of Republic Steel Corp. in 1978.  He loved the outdoors and as often as he could find some spare time, he’d spend it in his garden or hunting or fishing or camping.  He enjoyed music – playing and singing, especially in church.  He even wrote lyrics to a few songs and could accompany himself pretty handily on the guitar.  Mom and dad were among the founding members of United Freewill Baptist Church – a faith community they each truly loved and supported with their time, talent, treasure and prayers.
Predeceased by his parents and our mom, Freda Lorene Clay; two grandchildren 3 brothers and 5 sisters; Golden is survived by his children, Jimmy M. (Jill) Clay, of Orrville, Sheila J. (Gary) Boggs and Dennis (Kelly) Clay, all of Massillon and Lisa G. (Russ) Patterson, of Canton.  Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter; his sister, Mrs. Loraine Jenkins; brother, Ray (Maxine) Clay, and his brother-in-law, Carl Truax.
Family and friends will gather for the home going celebration of Golden Clay at 10:00 on Saturday morning, May 13, 2017, at Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Massillon.   Pastor Randy Keffer will officiate and burial with military honors will follow at Brookfield Cemetery.  The family will receive guests Friday evening, May 12, from 6-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  They have also suggested memorial contributions made in care of the Building Fund at United Freewill Baptist Church, 145 - 26th Street NW, Massillon, Ohio  44647.
            

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