William Clayton Clay

William Clayton Clay, 81, formerly of Stony Creek Mills, died Friday, June 26, 2015. Born in Robesonia on October 26, 1933, he was the son of the late William J. Clay and Dorothy L. Wenrich. He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, MaryEllen L. Bechtel.

William retired from Firestone Tire and Rubber after 28 years of service. He was then employed for 19 years by Metropolitan Steel. William was affectionately known as Willy, Bill, Sonny, and Poppy or Pop. In his youth he played softball and enjoyed bowling. His passions were sports, especially the Boston Celtics, the Cleveland Indians and Bailey, the golden retriever, who Willie referred to as "his dirty blonde girlfriend." He was a dedicated member of the Lower Alsace Beneficial Association. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

William was predeceased by one sister, two brothers, a son, Garth T., and grandson, Casey M. He is survived by two sisters, Martha Lutz and Sara Spade; and two children, Cory and Beverly. He is survived by four grandchildren: Morgan, Katie, Erin and Garth; and thirteen great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 1779, Newport Beach, CA 92659-0139. A memorial service will be held Sunday, July 5, 2015, 1:00 p.m at the Lower Alsace Beneficial Association picnic grove.