Clarence Lee

Clay, Jr.

Clarence Lee Clay Jr., 85, of Henrico, affectionately known to many as "Clay," passed away peacefully January 16, 2026 following a courageous nearly two-year battle with stage four esophageal cancer. Even in the face of such a challenge, he never gave up, maintaining his strength until the very end. At the time he transitioned from this life he was comforted by the presence of his loving family and a dedicated nurse, surrounded by the same care and devotion he gave to so many.

Born on September 17, 1940, in what is now called Historic Jackson Ward, Clay was the son of Evelyn Dixon Thompson and Clarence Lee Clay. His journey was rooted in the rich culture of Black Richmond. He grew up on Leigh Street, just across from Ebenezer Baptist, the family's home church,  and his childhood friends fondly remember him as "Red."  He was raised in a close-knit family; his maternal grandparents, Sallie and Charles Thompson, lived next to the First Battalion Virginia Volunteers Armory (today the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia). Clay was the youngest of his parents' four children and the only boy, whom they loved dearly.

He attended Maggie L. Walker High School where he discovered a lifelong passion for music. As a member of the school choir, his talent helped lead the ensemble to All-State honors. Following high school graduation in 1960, Clay attended Virginia Union University for a semester before entering the workforce.

He secured his first job working as a messenger at a downtown Richmond hotel alongside his father, who served as a bellhop. Although his father was proud to have his son working for the same hotel, wearing a shirt and tie, the work was not good for the young Clay. He would soon depart, following  his heart and move on to his second and final job at A.H. Robins (later Pfizer).

As he launched his professional life, he also moved into family life, marrying the former Ann Lee Tymes, in 1961. They were employed together at Robins for at least 20 years. Clay applied to work at Robins in 1966 at the suggestion of a friend—a testament to his lifelong belief in the power of friendship, and there he worked in mail operations and the health care division before ultimately retiring from a managerial position after 36 years.

Clay was a cornerstone of company camaraderie, and he also loved being competitive on the court. He played on the Robins basketball intramural team for at least 15 years and on the company volleyball team. He was a formidable opponent who helped the team bring  home many first place trophies, a reflection of the dedication he had to everything he did. Off the court, his passion for sports was just as strong; he was a diehard Dallas Cowboys and Boston Celtics fan. He was so devoted that he often experienced game-time nerves and was sometimes too anxious to watch his favorite teams play, a testament to his loyalty.

He was an engaged father and it was clear to his family that cooking was Clay's love language. Whether he was preparing his gumbo, chili, spoon bread, spaghetti and meatballs, smothered pork chops or oxtails, every meal told a story. Through his food, he nurtured his loved ones.

A man who believed deeply in the importance of family, Clay always made time to come together and take vacations to places like Buckroe Beach, Virginia, Ocean City, Maryland and Atlantic City, New Jersey. Having only flown once in his life, Clay preferred the shared experiences of the open road with those he loved. Together, he and Ann raised their three children: Rodney, Eric and Kenya in Varina, where he lived until his passing.

He will be remembered by his family for instilling values of loyalty and kindness, as well as for his quick wit, his friendly smile, and his generosity. His life flourished through his professional accomplishments and, most importantly, through the deep, enduring bonds he formed with his peers, his family and neighbors.

In addition to his parents, Clay was also preceded in death by wife, Ann Tymes Clay and his three sisters, Gwendolyn Clay Harris, Joyce Clay Willis, and Sallie Clay Edwards.

Surviving are his children, Rodney Clay (Teresa), of North Chesterfield, Eric Clay (Regina), of Richmond  and Kenya Clay, of Henrico; four grandchildren, India Clay, of Petersburg,  Ryan Clay (Tiara), of North Chesterfield, Keenan Clay, of Largo, Md. and Tavien Clay, of Henrico; two great grandchildren, Zuri Clay and Ryan Clay, Jr., of North Chesterfield; a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Friday, February 6, 2026 followed by the family receiving friends from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, February 7 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 216 W. Leigh Street. Rev. Kevin L. Jones, Pastor. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Clarence to the Better Housing Coalition, P. O. Box 12117, Richmond, VA  23241.