Royce Don Clay

Royce Don Clay, Sr., 88 of Lubbock, Texas, passed away on August 10, 2025. Services will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 10 am at Milwaukee Ave Church of Christ with Nate Fritz and George Loomis officiating.

Royce was born in a farmhouse in Wheeler County, TX, near Shamrock, TX, on December 11th, 1936. He graduated from Shamrock High School and completed some college studies at Abilene Christian College, which is now ACU. Royce loved Jesus and committed his life to the ministry at a young age.

He had no car initially, so he hitchhiked to Abilene for school on Mondays through Fridays, then home to Shamrock and preached on Sundays nearby.

He met Patricia Jean Darnell one Sunday at a service and soon eloped to marry the love of his life in Clovis, NM, on a snowy Christmas Eve on December 24th, 1956. After almost 67 years, Patricia received her heavenly reward. Royce and Pat sowed congregations with love at Estelline, TX, New Deal, TX, Albuquerque, NM, Hobart, OK. Muleshoe, TX. Big Spring, TX. Ackerly, TX. And then retired in Colorado City, TX, and was an elder there.

He also volunteered 20 years (3,428 hrs. of visits) at TDCJ / Wallace and Ware Units.

Upon moving to Lubbock Royce and Pat worshipped with the Milwaukee Avenue church of Christ. They were welcomed and loved even in their golden years.

Royce served as an officer in the Lions Club and worked on many civic projects in various communities.

Royce and Pat took hundreds of teens to Quartz Mountain Christian Camp in OK. Later, groups from around area towns went to Pine Springs Christian Camp in New Mexico. Fun and Christian principles were taught to these campers. Relationships were made with God and other Christians for years to come. Both of these camps were a blessing.

He is survived by his daughter, Brenda Conner, and Husband Steven (like a son) of Lubbock, TX. His daughter-in-law, Linda Clay of San Angelo, TX, who lovingly took care of Royce Clay Jr. until his passing, she is like a daughter. Sister-in-law Karen Speer of Waco, TX. Brother-in-law Ralph Van Wagner. Brother-in-law Billy, and sister-in-law Sheila Darnell of Amarillo, TX. sister-in-law Nancy Clay of Mason, TX. His grandchildren, Adam Clay Lloyd (Crystal) of Colorado City, TX. Joni Beth Abel (Justin) of San Angelo. J.D. Clay (Katy) of Frisco, TX. Abigail Patrice Lloyd of Lubbock, TX. Special family, Larson Lloyd of Lubbock, TX. Numerous cousins they loved. Great Grand Children Kayden (KK) Lloyd, Gage Van Wagner Lloyd, Bryce Lloyd, June Abel, Nolan Clay, Stella Jo Lloyd, and Genevieve Clay. A great-great grand boy due in November.

A special rescue puppy, who recently passed, named Roxie Clay, who was loyal to the end and loved many residents and staff.

He is preceded in death by his parents, His brothers Billy Clay and Tommy Clay. His sister-in-law, Linda Van Wagner and brother-in-law, Edgar Speer. Granddaughter Katy Clay and great-grandbaby Charlotte Don Clay and two precious baby Clays.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be made to;

Milwaukee Ave. Church of Christ (Building Fund or Sam Brown Prison Ministry)

P.O. Box 16827 Lubbock TX 79490

Or

High Plains Children's Home

11461 S Western Street, Amarillo, TX 79118

Special thanks to the entire staff at Fountain Hills Assisted Living and Memory Care. UMC Hospice Talya, Sabrina, Devin, Colleen, Katlyn, Mindy and Dr. Kline. Covenant Dr. Kaiser Tarafdar your care and love helped all of us everyday, we thank you.