NILES - George Thomas Clay Jr., 79, passed away Saturday morning February 22, 2014 at his residence.
He was born in Lawton, Kentucky on April 21, 1934 the son of George R. and Pearlie Mae (Barker) Clay and came to this area at the age of nine.
A 1953 graduate of Niles McKinley High School, he retired in 1996 after working 42 years at Republic, LTV and WCI Steel. For 25 years he also owned his own carpentry business. He was a member of the Western Reserve Fish and Game Club, Fisherman's Anonymous, Niles Moose Lodge, Niles Eagles, USW Local and SOAR. The American Red Cross recognized his countless years of donating more than 20 gallons of blood.
George cherished the time spent with family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed hosting many fish fry's for family and friends throughout the years. Neighbors appreciated his fall wiener roasts and he was famous for his annual Easter Egg Hunts. In his spare time, he also enjoyed woodworking, flower and vegetable gardening. He was an avid hunter in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. He was a fishing enthusiast, fishing mostly on Lake Erie and in Quebec, Canada.
George is survived by his wife Margaret (Phillips) Clay whom he married on October 29, 1956; twin daughters, Pamela (Daniel) Hedberg of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Patricia (Randy) Poarch of Clovis, New Mexico; two sons, Russell (Joyce) Clay of Niles, Glenn Clay of Warren; seven grandchildren, Stephen Hedberg, Joshua Hedberg, Rachel (Tim) Ries, Thomas Clay, Tricia (Jeremy) Malone, Erin Clay, Randi Alexandra Poarch; three great grandchildren, Makayla Hedberg, Audrina Malone, Haley Lynn Ries; two sisters, Minnie Brown of Niles, Mona Schreur of Niles; brother, Walter (Grace) Clay of Niles.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Bronson Poarch, granddaughter, Kirsten Margaret Hedberg; brother, Henry Clay and three sisters, Infant Nora Clay, Ruth Renner, Pauline Cross.
Calling Hours will be Wednesday, February 26, 2014 from 10 to noon at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home. The funeral will follow at noon at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lutheran Cemetery in Newton Falls.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veteran's Association or any animal shelter.
Visitation
FEB 26. 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EST)
Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home
126 West Park Avenue
Niles, OH 44446
Funeral
FEB 26. 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (EST)
Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home
126 West Park Avenue
Niles, OH 44446
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