Dear family:
The lasting impression of a 12 year old is kindness.  We met when we were in 6th grade and Charlie was very kind on top of being cute!  Thank you for being part of my sweet memories of childhood.  You are unforgettable.  Becky McCoy

Charlie Clay sits on a very short list of individuals that have helped shape my career. I was a young, aimless engineer, and Charlie took me under his wing, guiding me onto a path of success. His mentoring was unsurprising, as he always found the best in people. But his kindness and father-like persona at work was extremely comforting for me through stressful times. Charlie was a boss, an esteemed guest at my wedding, and most of all a friend. My heart aches for Roslyn and his kids and grandkids. When at work, Charlie talked about you all constantly - there was barely a meeting I had with him where one of you all was not mentioned. Love and comfort to you all.

I am so sad to hear of Charlie's passing. I would like to express me deepest sympathy to his family which I know he loved so much. Charlie and I worked together at OSU and he was such a great leader and mentor to me personally for so many years. He was also very successful in moving our whole organization forward and was respected across many teams for his willingness to work together to get things done. His joy and faith were obvious as was his willingness to encourage others to grow and succeed. It is hard to put into words the profound effect he had on me and those he worked with. He will truly be missed.

I was truly saddened to hear about Charlie's passing.  He and I worked together at Ohio Bell many years ago and for a long time our careers and lives intersected.  I have good memories of our times together and will pray for his family's comfort n these trying times.

Just today I learned of Charlie's passing. I would like to express condolences to his family. Charlie and I worked together at the telephone company. We traveled on company business together, played golf and shared mutual friends. Charlie was proud of his family and his faith in Christ. He will be missed.

Mike Tillis

Charlie's high school friends might remember him as one of the good looking, nice, fun, talented guys in our class, all true, and I would add that Charlie was simply one of the best. Like so often happens our lives drifted apart after high school except for the occasional reunions and I'm thankful that I got to catch up with him and Roslyn a couple of years ago at a class gathering. Thanks for sharing some of his life and family memories in the lovely memorial video. Charlie and Roslyn were blessed with love, family, and friends throughout the years and my prayers are with his family and friends now and in the days ahead. God bless you and be with you.

Sending my deepest sympathies and prayers to the Clay family. I worked with and for Charlie at Ohio State's Telecommunications Network Center. Charlie was a great person to work for and a wonderful person to be around. He helped me during a very difficult time at the university and I am truly grateful to him for that. I am saddened to hear of his passing, which came way too soon. But, I am also comforted knowing that he is no longer suffering and in a more peaceful place. May you also be comforted by your wonderful memories of Charlie, as well as by friends and other family members.  
-- Lisa Calcara

Charlie and I worked on many projects together at Ameritech. He was a talented network engineer and a wonderful person to work with. I owe much of my success to the creativity of Charlie. Rest In Peace my friend. 
Dee Skinner

Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Charles D. "Charlie" Clay.

It’s emotional for me to even begin to write this because for many years Charlie and I were brothers of different mothers.  I first met Charlie in art class, sophomore year of high school.  He was a talented singer in a band and we shared a fascination with sports cars, music, art, and what the future might bring for us.  Perhaps the main thing we shared was deep roots to Appalachia.  He was born in West Hamlin, WV and I in Huntington, all of 21 miles away.  Our dads both listened to country music and we spent many hours making up parody verses and laughed until we couldn’t any more.  Our roots ran deep and we both shared tremendous optimism for whatever life might bring.  I always felt welcome and at home at Charlie’s house and to have one of his mother’s dinners when the garden came in was a delight.  We were to have roomed together our freshman year at Ohio University but there was a mix up, with Charlie ending up in room 338 Washington Hall (east green) while I was assigned room 338 James Hall (west green).  It was probably for the best.  
Charlie’s love for Roslyn began in high school and he always knew she would be the one he’d marry. He was completely dedicated to his family.  Although we drifted away from one another as careers and families grew, we always picked up where we left off when we came back together.  So long Charlie.  I’ll never forget you.

OBITUARY

Charles D. "Charlie" Clay

4 January, 1951 – 3 April, 2021

Schoedinger Midtown

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