Vernon D. Clay's Obituary
VERNON D. CLAY
May 8, 1941 – August 20, 2021
Vernon David Clay, of Wimberley, Texas, beloved husband, father, papa and friend, passed away on Friday, August 20, 2021, after a brief, but severe, illness. He was 80 years old.
Vernon was born on May 8, 1941, in Boaz, Alabama to Byron and Vertis (Walker) Clay. The second of four boys, Vernon grew up in and around the towns of Boaz and Albertville, about 75 miles northeast of Birmingham. It was there he met and married Ruth Mostiller in 1963, together having two boys, David in 1964 and Brian in 1967, maintaining their home in the north Alabama area until 1978, before relocating the family to Dallas, TX.
Vernon was a lifelong glazier, working for commercial glass contractors for a career spanning 54 years, manning construction projects all over the country. When work called him to the Dallas area in 1976, he made the strategic decision to permanently relocate his family to the D-FW area, where he was able to further his career and allow his family to thrive. Vernon finally hung up his hardhat for good in December 2017. Immediately upon retirement, Vernon and Ruth followed their son and daughter-in law, David and Tracy Clay, who had re-settled in the Wimberley area the year before. Vernon and Ruth were instantly embraced by their new neighbors, and quickly adapted to the Hill Country lifestyle.
A genuine and loving soul, Vernon was a dedicated husband to Ruth, a caring father to his children, a doting grandfather to his grandchildren, and a dear friend to those who met him. His passions included hunting, cooking, woodworking, horticulture, and just about anything outdoors. He will be terribly missed by all.
Vernon is survived by Ruth, his wife of 58 years, his son and daughter-in-law David and Tracy Clay, grandchildren Sydney and Hayden Clay, stepbrothers Jim and Frank Duckett, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Byron and Vertis (Walker) Clay, son Brian Clay, stepmother Lamell Clay, and brothers Dwayne, Clifford, and Wallace Clay.
A graveside service will be held at Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75243 on Friday, August 27 at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, a tribute gift may be made to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/donations).
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