Clay Neal Dooley

Clay Neal Dooley, of San Antonio, Texas passed away on February 3, 2025 at the age of 61. He was born in San Antonio at Wilford Hall and spent many years living in Houston and then Baytown before retiring in San Antonio in 2022.

He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Our Lady of the Lake University in 1994 and worked for over 25 years as a software engineer at Digisonics, Inc. and then NOV (National Oilwell Varco). He also spent several years working at the Houston Center for Independent Living where he helped many people maintain their independence. He was highly intelligent and excelled at programming and problem-solving.

He had a deep appreciation for all types of music but especially punk, post-punk, jazz, new wave, rock and progressive rock. In elementary school he got his first drum set from his dad, who also played the drums. He was a prolific songwriter and very talented vocalist and musician — playing the drums, guitar, bass guitar, Chapman Stick and keyboard. Over the years he played in several bands in San Antonio and Houston including Year of Wonders, Mojo Filters, Lung Overcoat, the house band for the Stucco Iguanas, 143, Red Zone Radar, and the Cozy Blankets.

In 2012, he met his beloved wife Barbara online. After a whirlwind romance, they married in 2013 and enjoyed seven wonderful years together. They affectionately referred to each other as “Hunni,” “Hunni Bunni,” and “The Fabulous Hunni,” which made us all smile, and they enjoyed traveling to various places around Texas and Disney World. Clay was a romantic at heart and thoroughly enjoyed doing everything he could to ensure Barbara’s happiness. The seven years they were married until her death were the happiest we had ever seen him. Their love for each other was really something and although their deaths came way too soon, we are so glad that they are together again.

His friends have said Clay checked in on them frequently and cared about their well-being. He had a special affinity for Star Trek and anything science or music-related. He also loved cooking and enjoyed spicy food. Gracie, Barbara’s mom, lived with them and he learned a lot about cooking from her. He was fond of animals and their cat, Diego, was particularly important to him. Most importantly, he was a devoted Christian and attended the Second Christian Church in Houston.

He faced many obstacles in his life, both growing up and as an adult — things that would make many people give up. But he managed to keep his sense of humor and keep going. He gave it his all. His parents and siblings were SO proud of him for his accomplishments and talents. May he finally be at peace, in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. Clay will be deeply missed.

Clay was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Rene Castellanos Dooley; his mother-in-law, Graciela “Gracie” Castellanos; and his parents, Dr. Byron Neal Dooley and Mrs. Betty “Jo” Dooley. He is survived by his brother, Dr. Byron Scott Dooley and his wife Melissa; his sisters, Sandra Dooley, Kristen Dooley-Benavides and her husband Roberto; several nieces and nephews, as well as many friends that were very important to him.

Please join us on April 12th at 2pm to celebrate the life of Clay Dooley. Second Christian Church, 4801 Edison St., Houston, TX 77009, (713) 692-3503