Clay O Espey Jr.

WESTBROOK – Clay O’Neil Espey, Jr., 78, passed away peacefully with family by his side at Sedgewood Commons on May 3, 2017, due to his battle with Sezary Syndrome, an aggressive form of lymphoma, and also suffered from Dementia.

Clay was born in Portland, Maine to Clay O., Sr., and Jean Hastings Espey. He was a 1956 graduate of Portland High School, 1970 graduate of University of Maine at Orono and earned two Master of Science of Education degrees in 1973 and 1975 at the University of Southern Maine. He served in the US Army before starting his thirty year teaching career in the Portland School system, where he also taught Drivers Education and coached swimming and soccer. He swam for the Portland Championship Swimming team, Boys Club Championship New England team and also was a member of the US Army swimming team that won the 5th Army title in Fort Carson, CO. He was also a Red Cross Water Safety Instructor at the Portland Boys Club.

Clay married Inge (Braun) Espey of Denmark (Europe) in 1966, and they raised “Girls-4” in Westbrook. Clay owned and operated Clay’s Simoniz Shop until 2003 where he always met his clients with a handshake and his contagious smile. Detailing a car was always done with the highest quality that Clay always achieved.

He loved boating on Highland and Sebago Lakes. He was always a good host in his mancave, making sure everyone was having a good time and had a shot of Akvavit as an initiation to his bar. He always enjoyed watching Animal Planet, especially Dr. Pol and any show with snakes.

He was a 32 degree Mason and Kora Shriner at Saccarappa Lodge 0086 and American Legion in Westbrook, Northern Masonic Lodge and Portland Elks Lodge 188 in Portland.

He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Sheila Sypek, and many beloved pets.

He is survived by his loving wife, Inge, of 51 years, of Westbrook, his four daughters Kristin Espey of Portland, and step-granddaughter, Alexia Culbert of Dallas.TX, Alicia (Espey) Phillips, her husband Stuart and children Andrea and Jacob of Atoka, TN, Katrina Espey and husband Aaron Crutchfield and sons Dylan and Jordan of Wexford, PA, and Heidi Espey, her boyfriend Kevin Anderson and daughter Peyton Garrigan of Westbrook, 2 sisters, Janit DeRice and her husband Donald of Scarborough, Claire Learned of Houston, TX, a brother, Ronald Learned of Tacoma, WA, an uncle Charles A. Hastings of Millbrae, CA, and many nieces and nephews

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The family would like to give a special thank you to VNA Home Health and the staff at Sedgewood Commons

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Relatives and friends are invited to a time of visitation from 4 to 8PM Monday May 8, 2017 at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. A graveside service will be held at 11AM Wednesday May 10, 2017 at Brooklawn Memorial Park, 2002 Congress St, Portland.

Those wishing to send a tribute in Clay’s memory may visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com.

If so desired, contributions may be made in Clay’s memory Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation

www.clfoundation.org P.O. Box 374, Birmingham, MI.48012