William Gordon "Bill" Clay
William Gordon "Bill" Clay, 90, of Anderson died August 12, 2013 at his residence after a 6 month illness. He was born in Rolla, Missouri October 26, 1922 to Lowell and Edna (Boyer) Clay.
He served in the US Navy during WW II. He flew over 150 missions and earned 4 stars in the Navy as a Turret Gunner.
He owned and operated Gentry Cabinets over 50 years.
He was a member of Chesterfield Christian Church 50 years; Elks 209; Chesterfield Optimist Club; American Legion; Madison County Home Builders' Association.
He loved to garden, farm, his horses, bird watching and his dog, Ben.
He was one of the most unselfish and most giving persons that ever walked on God's Gentle Earth. He always put his family before his needs and always loving, forgiving, trusting and giving to others in need. He always stayed true to the Lord throughout his whole life, he never pushed his belief on anyone, he just lived it himself. He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather who always put his family first.
Survivors include his daughters, Sharon (Chauncey) Blackford of Anderson; Nancy (Joe) Richwine of Marion, Ind.; Cindy (Dean) Franklin of Anderson; step-daughter Sharon (Darrell) Kennedy of Anderson; five grandchildren, Stephanie (Nik) Carothers of Huntington; Lisa (Lee PhD) Clapp of Cincinnati, OH; Amy Richwine, PhD (companion Brad King, DVM) of Indianapolis; Dean W. Franklin and Ron Franklin both of Anderson; four great- grandchildren, Dylan Clapp, Avery Clapp; Morgan Richwine and Jared Richwine; several stepgrandchildren and great-stepgrandchildren;
He was preceded in death by his parents; two wives, Frances Clay in 1986 and Zoë Ellen Clay in 2009; two grandsons, Scott Hayes and Jeff Richwine; and his brother, Robert Clay.
Visitation will be Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service. Service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Chesterfield Christian Church with Ned Clark officiating. Burial will be in East Maplewood Cemetery with military rites by the VFW Post 266 Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be given to Madison County Humane Society or Chesterfield Christian Church.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.
