Archie Gerald Clay

Archie Gerald Clay, age 90, peacefully passed away on August 11, 2025 with his family present. Archie is survived by 3 of his children; George Baumley (wife Danielle), Marlene George (husband Joe), and Robert Clay (wife Robin). Together with his wife Helen, they raised 3 additional children who have since passed; James Hooks, Jeanette McCain (husband Marc), and William Clay. Archie had 16 grandchildren; Cindy Lohr, Tom Baumley, David Baumley, Erin Lohr Hoestra, Katie Baumley, Ken Kramarich, Jeremy Mills, Robert Mills, Justin Mills, Christopher Clay, Sarah Pouliot, Emma Persson and Hannah Gerz. Additionally, He has 22 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Archie graduated from high school and enlisted in the United States Navy in July 1951. He served most of his time in uniform service with the United States Marine Corps as a Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Corpsman which included a combat tour in Vietnam where he received an award with Valor and the Combat Action Ribbon. He retired as a Master Chief Hospital Corpsman after 28 years of service to his country. His duty stations included Florida, North and South Carolina, Michigan, and Iceland. Archie and Helen settled in Pensacola in 1987. Archie spent countless hours volunteering with the Elks club. Archie attended Lillian Methodist Church and volunteered there as well. While serving his country was a highlight, his greatest joy for the last 56 years has been the role of grandpa. From the moment they were born, Archie was a strong presence in their lives. He was always ready to assist family and friends with any need they had. He was truly a servant at heart. Archie has gifted us with many special memories, and he will be greatly missed. The comfort we have is that he has been reunited with Helen, rejoicing in Heaven. May God bless all who read and hear this and live a life reflecting God's mercy, grace, and love.

A funeral service for Archie will be held Tuesday, August 26, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, 619 New Warrington Road, Pensacola, FL 32506. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Barrancas National Cemetery, 1 Cemetery Rd, Pensacola, FL 32508.