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1937-2021

Mr. Clinton Emory Clay, 84, of Woodbury, was born Aug. 27, 1937, son of Willie Roy Clay and Ruby Smoot Clay.

Emory joined his parents in Glory on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021.

Mr. Clay was born in Woodbury, graduating from Woodbury High School. Emory and his cherished wife of 56 years, Mrs. Bobbie Jean Clay, were longtime residents of Meriwether County where they lovingly raised their two sons.  Emory grew up working alongside his Father and Mother, brothers, and sisters on the family farm, with all of the joys and hard work that they shared and enjoyed together as a family.

Following high school, marriage, and brief work in industry, he became certified to work in the meat markets of retail grocery stores, and enjoyed many years at several stores, including most years in Manchester, with many as meat market manager. After those years of working in larger stores, he opened his own small market near his home where he enjoyed serving and visiting with those that came by.

Emory also had a natural ability and found pleasure in growing plants and flowers, which led to many years in the nursery business, with the building of his greenhouses, and the start of a nursery business as a licensed grower in Georgia.

Emory enjoyed being a part of the church, served as a deacon, treasurer, and clerk for many years. Old Gospel music and quartets were his favorite. In recent years, he and Bobbie Jean were members of Mount Hope Baptist Church and loved their church family.

He was devoted to his family and loved his wife, Bobbie Jean, and his sons, Clint and Cliff. The love and care of his family always came first and was the central focus of his life. He gave to his family the blessing of one with a kind heart, faith, and love, always to provide for and to be there for them, above himself. His family is thankful for the blessing of him.

Emory was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bobbie Jean, and is survived by his two sons, Clint and Cliff Clay; sister, Rachel Wheelus of Newnan; brother, Gene Clay and his wife Diane of Woodbury; and two grandchildren.

Funeral services were 2 p.m., Friday, at Mount Hope Baptist Church in Warm Springs.  the Rev. Steve Garner and the Rev. S.T. Janney officiated and interment was in New Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery in Woodbury.

Condolences may be expressed at www.mckibbenfuneralhome.com

His family will love and miss him until they meet again in Heaven on that glad reunion day.

Claude A. McKibben and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.