Ned "Buddy" P. Clay Jr.

Well-known restauranteur Buddy Clay, age 67, died peacefully on June 3, 2022, at home after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Buddy was known for his love of family and friends and his warmth and generosity. His life was guided by the twin principals of “do the right thing,” and “strive for excellence.” He leaves a legacy in the opportunities he created for others and in the wide group of family and friends who cherish his memory and live out the values he taught them.

Buddy is survived by his wife of 23 years, Marianne, and their three sons, Dylan, Grayson, and Walker Clay. Buddy also is survived by a sister, Marie Hall (Skip) and nephews Clay and Preston Hall. Both his parents predeceased him.

Buddy was born in Greenville in 1955, the son of Ned and Marie Clay. He graduated from Wade Hampton High School. He attended Erskine College and transferred to the College of Charleston for the remainder of his college days. He was a charter member of Kappa Alpha Order at the College of Charleston. At every stage of his life, he developed deep and meaningful friendships and kept in touch throughout the years.

During college, Buddy worked in some of Charleston’s finest restaurants and there he found his passion for the restaurant business. After college, he worked in Providence, Boston, and Nantucket, honing his skills. He graduated from a hands-on culinary program sponsored by the Parker House Hotel in Boston. After working on Nantucket Island for several years, Buddy returned to Greenville ready to open his own restaurant. There he met chef Bob Hackl. Together, they envisioned Augusta Grill as a place of excellence, hospitality and generosity and they opened its doors in 1992. When people speak of the “Augusta Grill family,” they refer to the special place that so many guests, employees and alumni consider their home away from home, where all are welcome and valued.

Buddy embraced life as a restauranteur and host and his keen intellectual curiosity guided his many interests. He had a special passion for history, literature, and music. He enjoyed friendly, spirited debates and was always ready with the perfect joke.

A funeral service will be held in the Sanctuary at First Baptist Greenville on June 13 at 3:00. Due to unforeseen circumstances, there will be no visitation prior to the service. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/718012311. A celebration of life will immediately follow at Augusta Grill.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com.

Buddy valued creating opportunities for others and, in lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be made to the Greenville Technical College Culinary program, https://www.greenvilletechfoundation.org/ 556 Perry Avenue, Suite B 110, Greenville, SC 29611.