Known for his intellect, leadership, adventurous spirit, and quiet generosity, Clay left a legacy of excellence, service, and deep appreciation for the world around him.

Born in Archibald on August 11, 1929, Clay graduated from Rayville High School in 1946. He began working in the seventh grade and completed flight training-soloing at just 15 years old. He earned a bachelor of science in professional geology from Louisiana State University in 1954, where he also served as student body vice president and earned numerous academic and leadership honors. He later studied at Loyola University Law School in New Orleans before accepting a promotion that took him to Houston.

Professionally, Clay enjoyed a long and successful career in the oil and gas industry, working with major corporations including Humble Oil, Exxon and Mobil from 1954 to 1982. A certified petroleum geologist and licensed Texas real estate broker, he brought integrity and discipline to every role he held.

He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1946 to 1949, with assignments at the Pentagon and Wheeler Air Force Base in Hawaii. In 1954, upon graduating from LSU, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant intelligence officer and served in the reserves until his honorable discharge in 1961.

Clay’s commitment to community was equally profound. A devoted Presbyterian, he served multiple terms as ruling elder and chaired the Houston Church Sitting Committee. He also served on the boards and chaired committees for numerous civic organizations including the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA, Rotary Club, the United Fund, and the Montgomery County Planning Commission. He also chaired a multi-industry national task force focused on the value of U.S.

public lands.

Clay lived in many Texas cities throughout his life Houston, Austin, Port Aransas, Boerne, and Comfort. It was in Comfort that he built his dream home atop a hill he called “his mountaintop,” where he delighted in panoramic sunsets and quiet reflection.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Clay’s love of the outdoors took him across the globe. His most treasured adventures included a record-book black bear hunt in Canada and an African safari where he successfully hunted leopard - an experience he spoke of often and fondly. For Clay, these journeys were about more than sport - they were a celebration of wild beauty, challenge, and solitude.

Clay was the proud father of two children, Philip and Celeste. His life was defined by intellect, courage, curiosity, and a deep, abiding faith.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Brown-Holley Funeral Home in Rayville. Clay will be laid to rest at Lynn Cemetery in Archibald, close to his roots and family.

He will be remembered not only for his accomplishments, but for his warmth, wisdom, love of the outdoors, and the remarkable life of service and adventure he so fully embraced.

Condolences may be left at brownholleyfuneralhomes. com.