Harry Lee Clay, Jr.

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude that we announce the passing of our beloved father, PaPa, and great-grandfather, Harry Lee Clay, Jr., who entered eternal rest on December 30, 2024, at the age of 91. He was a man of great character and steadfast love - a true cornerstone for our family.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Harry L. Clay, Sr. and Elizabeth Clay; his beloved wife of 55 years, Mary Smith Clay; sisters, Betty and Catherine; his grandson, Lee Harrison; his great-grandson, Brennan Lee Harrison; and his great-granddaughter, Emily Elizabeth Kroener. He leaves behind his sister, Nancy Cook (Phil); four devoted children, Rosemary Spain (Bobby), H.L. Clay III (Kim), Susan Little (Chuck), and Thomas Clay (Lynn); twelve grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A man of deep wisdom and quiet strength, Harry was known for being stern, when necessary, yet always kindhearted and faithful. His dedication to his family was unparalleled, and he was happiest when surrounded by loved ones. Rarely did a child's ball game go by without his supportive presence in the stands. Whether he brought gifts of chocolate covered peanuts, fresh fruit, goldfish crackers, deer jerky, or one of his precious gemstones, he never visited family empty handed. His life's motto was "Ask for little. Give a lot."

Harry retired from Firestone/Bridgestone after 29 years of service. He was dedicated to community service in Dinwiddie County. He served as a charter member of the volunteer rescue squad, EMT instructor, School Board, Board of Supervisors, Airport Authority, and served as a magistrate for the 11th Judicial District. Harry also worked for many years as a baseball/softball umpire, a football/basketball referee for VHSL, USSSA, and many other local leagues. He was an elder and longtime member of Bott Memorial Presbyterian Church. Dependable, reliable, and always ready to help, he rarely turned down an invitation, whether to lend a hand, go hunting or fishing, share a meal, or simply enjoy a moment of connection. His presence filled a void no one else could fill, and his absence now leaves an ache in the hearts of all who knew him.

An avid collector of gemstones, Harry found joy in discovering beauty in the unexpected, a reflection of how he viewed life and the people around him.

Though his passing seems to leave an empty vacuum in our hearts, it is filled by the comfort we find from the incredible legacy he leaves behind - a life well-lived, people well-loved, and a community well-served. Harry was a man of rare integrity, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.

The family invites all who knew and loved him to celebrate his life at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Trinity Community Methodist Church, 4814 Courthouse Rd., Church Road, VA 23833. Interment will follow the service in the church yard. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Dinwiddie Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

We love you, Dad, PaPa, brother, uncle, and friend. Your love, wisdom, and example will forever guide us. Rest in peace in the arms of your Savior.