Gordon Edward Clay, Jr.

Gordon Edward Clay, Jr. passed away on December 27, 2016, at the age of 87 surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his Mother Thelma Lewis Clay, Father Gordon Edward Clay, and Sister Joan Devlin Clay. He is survived by Ethel Bush Clay, his beloved wife of 41 years, his sons, Gordon Edward Clay III, Thomas Howell Clay, Hamilton Lewis Clay, George William Clay (Patricia), his stepsons, George Gardiner Green III (Jennifer) and Peyton Nicholson Green, nine grandchildren, Jessie Selene Clay, Clio Rhea Clay, Zachary Charles Clay, Shane Thomas Clay, Kristin Clay Chabarria (Ryan), Elizabeth Alexis Clay, Patrick Hamilton Clay (Marina), Claire Marie Clay, Elise Lockett Clay, and four step grandchildren, Zoe Katherine Green, George Gardiner Green IV, Peyton Nicholson Green, Jr., and Marshall Gardiner Green. He was happy to welcome on November 22, 2016, his first great grandchild, Lily Ann Chabarria. He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Chipley Devlin Booth (Drew), John Joseph Devlin III, Shelley Devlin Kurtz (Bill), Clay Sutton Devlin (Jill), and his first cousins Ellenor Roger Clay and Henrietta Creevy Clay.

A native of New Orleans, Gordon graduated from Jesuit High School and Tulane University. Early in his career, Gordon was in the cotton business and was honorably discharged after serving four years in the United States Naval Reserve. He spent nearly 50 years in the insurance business. He was a broker and partner in Independent Insurance Associates, Inc., and subsequently Brown & Brown of Louisiana until his retirement. Gordon was actively involved at Trinity Episcopal Church as an usher for many years. Earlier in his life, he served on several committees of the United Way.

He was a member of the Stratford Club, Boston Club, Recess Club, and several carnival organizations. Also, Gordon was a member of the New Orleans Country Club, and served on the board for several years. He enjoyed golf, especially the many trips with his friends. He was an avid reader and constantly had a balsa wood model airplane from World War I or II under construction. His family and friends will miss Gordon’s contagious smile, sense of humor, and laughter.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Gordon’s life Thursday, January 5th at Trinity Episcopal Church at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Jesuit High School, 4133 Banks Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, or Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130.

To sign and view the guest book, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.