George W. Clay Jr.

SHELBY- Mr. George W. Clay, Jr., 89, of 509 Woodside Drive., died, Thursday, September 13, 2012 at Cleveland Regional Medical Center. He was the son of the late Rev. George W. and Carrie Atkins Clay. Born, July 6, 1923, he always said that the July 4th fireworks scared him so he decided to wait until the commotion was over. Being in the family of a Methodist minister, they moved often, but he finished high school in Mt. Pleasant, NC. Always an athlete, he lettered in four sports. He enrolled at Brevard Junior College, but during his freshman year, war was declared. He then joined the U.S. Navy, being selected for Naval Flight School. After finally finishing, he had orders to go to a carrier in the Pacific Theater, when the Pensacola Base Commander called him in and asked him if he would stay as a fighter gunnery instructor. This delighted him because it gave him the chance to ask Frances Jones to marry him. After the war, he decided to enroll in Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, at that time located in Nashville. His wife, Frances, returned to work at the Lily Mill and supported the family during his two years of school. He returned to Shelby, working for Lutz-Austell Funeral Home. In 1960, he decided to open his own business, and again with the support of Frances, he started Clay-Barnette Funeral Home, finally retiring in 2002. He had a great love of farming, racing pigeons, and his beagles. He was proud of his public service, serving 16 years on City Council, then 16 more as Mayor of Shelby. He also served for several years as President of NC Electric Cities. He and Frances are charter members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

PRECEDED: In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his younger brother, W.F. Clay.

SURVIVED: He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Frances Jones Clay, of the home; son, George W. Clay, III and his wife, Sandra Pait of Hickory; two sisters, Louise Powell of Greensboro and Lorraine Clay Arey and her husband, Bob of Shelby; two sisters-in-law, Lib Clay of Jamestown and Sally Jones of Shelby; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special thanks to all of the caregivers who have assisted through the years, and especially to Ruth Huffstetler and her “Helping Hands” staff, particularly Charlotte, Pam, Margaret and Maria.

SERVICES: Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, September 16, 2012 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

VISITATION: The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 15, 2012 from 4-6:00 p.m., at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home.

CLERGY: Revs. C. Wayne Allen and Hayward Morrison

BURIAL: Burial with Military Honors will immediately follow in Sunset Cemetery

MEMORIALS:

FUNERAL HOME: Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby