Richard E. Clay

Richard was born to Fred and Dorothy Clay on October 11, 1937, in Paxton, Massachusetts. He later joined the United States Navy, where he served as a draftsman. During this time, he met and married Mary Sue Wernicke, and together they welcomed their daughters, Lori and Lynn. After 10 years of service, Richard was honorably discharged and returned Mary Sue to her home in Spring Lake, where they spent the rest of their lives.

Richard returned to public service as a Brooksville police officer, where his duties included checking doors on the night shift. He was later hired as a Hernando County Sheriff’s deputy, where he completed a 35-year career. During this chapter of his life, he welcomed two sons, Richard Jr. (Sonny) and Robert.

Richard was a tough, honorable man, blessed with a large family and a great sense of humor. He was known for giving everyone a comical nickname—many of which stuck for a lifetime. Richard had many, many stories about his years at the Hernando Sheriff’s Department under Sim L. Lowman and Melvin Kelly. He was also distinguished by his love of vehicles, including restoring many tractors and his beloved 1951 Ford F-100.

He is preceded in death by parents, Fred and Dorothy Clay; his brother, Gordon Clay; his daughter, Lori Roller; and his wife, Mary Sue Clay.

Richard is survived by his sisters, Ginny Bernard and Joan Gould; Sister-in-law, Lillian Clay; his sons, Robert Clay and Sonny Clay (Marcy); his daughter, Lynn Roberts (David); his son-in-law, Chris Roller; his grandchildren, Kevin Belcher, Matthew Belcher, Charlotte Roberts, David Roberts II (Star), Jessica Shook (Blair), Richard Clay III, Austin Clay, Andrew Clay (LeeAnne), and Hannah Cook; as well as five great-grandchildren.

A Visitation for family and friends will be held from 12:00-1:00pm, Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Stable Faith Cowboy Church (12077 N Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34601) where the Celebration of Life begins at 1:00pm.

A Graveside Service will follow at 2:00pm at Spring Lake Cemetery (Ernest Lee Road, Brooksville, FL 34602).